AM Rings?

[HAWAIIZR-1]

I am only a novice builder if I can even call myself that and had first hand experience with the Total Seal rings. One set was the total seal patented gapless second ring set design (PN T1030) and the other two sets their conventional rings (CR1030). Both designs are specific LT5 applications for stock bore and I went back and forth with their techs about the specs.

All I will say is that I was going by service specs of the service manual and they were not within the measurements so I did not feel comfortable and sought out OEM rings from Jerry. I could not believe it and used several different measurement tools to confirm my findings. I do not have the exact specs on this computer, but I did run this by several of the reputable builders and it was mixed feelings and it was a known issue by some of them too. I bought a set from Kurt when I did not know they were the total seal rings that I had been messing with and he was kind enough to let me return them after I received, opened them and measured. I think if I had built my motor with the Total Seal I probably would not have noticed it or could tell the difference, but I was going but what is read about engine building and all I could do was follow textbook info not being an experienced engine builder. The local machine shop that is quite reputable with race motors told me not to use those too.

I am glad to hear if Total Seal fixed the issue and it would be their benefit to do so as we have enough folks that are going to need to eventually rebuild their LT5s; maybe I should take credit if they fixed it after all my complaining.....lol. They had told me at the time that they never had anyone mention the discreprancy of the rings. My arguement to Total Seal was why not make them the same measurement as stock rings if they are for stock pistons and all they could say was they are spec`d according to the pistons, but they were quite a bit thinner by measurement.

Anway, that is my 2 pennies to AM rings and the frustrations I went through. Having said all that, I kept the set I bought for $117 for that just in case in 20 years when I am a geezer in a Z that they would be better than no rings at all.

[LGAFF]

Called total seal, they have no record of revising the rings, or even selling them.

[mike100]

the TS gapless ring has a lot of controversy even in the small block world. They might be good for certain race engine applications, but something you want to run good for 10 years and not use a ton of oil, a standard moly faced top ring and original style cut and oil rings seems like the easiest decision.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Originally Posted by LGAFF

Called total seal, they have no record of revising the rings, or even selling them.

Lee,

That is wild stuff. The guy I spoke with and exchanged tons of emails with is Keith Jones. He was cool and let me return a set too.

http://www.totalseal.com/SalesStaff.aspx

[LGAFF]

Lost, Craigs are too small and info I just got said the Kurts are the correct size....or they should be

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Originally Posted by LGAFF

Lost, Craigs are too small and info I just got said the Kurts are the correct size....or they should be

Lee,

The rings I got from Kurt were exactly the same as the other 3 sets from Total Seal and I measured them so I asked for return. I really don't want to quote what the other two builders that we all know told me.

[LGAFF]

-Think I will just swap in an LT-1

[LGAFF]

Looks like I am going to send them the rings and a piston to check out.

[Polo-1]

Originally Posted by LGAFF

-Think I will just swap in an LT-1

don't do that.... At least put a new coyote 5.0 motor in it. Has 4 cams anyways

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by Polo-1

don't do that.... At least put a new coyote 5.0 motor in it. Has 4 cams anyways

Maybe add a seminar on making a Coyote swap could be added to the agenda at the get together next week. Maybe THAT would get the attention of a few people at GM!!?? (Guess I'm still fuming over a comment to the detriment of DOHC technology that was made by a GM rep at last years gathering...)

P.