How To Choose the Best Piston Ring for Your Application

By Mark Houlahan 6/12/ Share Add Article To List

Piston Rings Have a Tough Job, Choosing the Wrong Ones Will Make That Job More Difficult

There has been a lot of advancement in piston ring technology over the last few decades. Piston ring materials, coatings, edge profiles, and even ring thickness have all seen great improvements in oil control, sealing, and wear. Of course, these enhancements in ring technology only work when they are used in the proper manner. A basic street engine built for a cruiser will use a much different ring package than a 1,000 horsepower turbocharged engine. There are many decisions to be made when choosing the right set of piston rings for your engine build. While some piston kits include rings, often the higher you go up the performance ladder the rings become a separate purchase decision.

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There is no one “best” ring package on the shelf. Determining the engine’s use, power level, compression, type of fuel, and of course any power adder, are all factors in choosing the proper ring package. The decision should factor in proper sealing, wear, and durability so that your engine produces maximum power with minimal blowby and proper oil control, all with a ring package that will wear appropriately for the intended use with minimum friction loss. What follows is a breakdown of modern piston ring materials, ring types, coatings, and more that will help you determine what type of piston rings are indeed best for your build. If you’re having the short block assembled by an engine builder, then obviously we suggest following the ring package guidelines that they have for your reciprocating assembly.

What Are Piston Rings Made Of?

When it comes to piston ring material types there are a few ring materials no longer used or only used in specialty applications now. Currently the most common piston ring material types for automotive engines are cast iron, ductile iron, and steel. While steel does have the highest tensile strength, don’t count out cast iron or ductile iron rings for the right applications. For example, if you’re performing a basic “hone and ring” job to drop back into your daily driver there is no need for the added expense of ductile iron or steel rings.

What Is the Benefit of Different Piston Ring Materials?

• Cast Iron: Fragile piston ring material properties, best used for stock engine builds due to low tensile strength. Low cost, great option for a budget rebuild.
• Ductile Iron: Stronger piston ring material properties with double the tensile strength of gray iron rings. Better option for performance engine builds.
• Steel: Better still in tensile strength and fatigue strength over ductile iron rings. Better option for boosted and nitrous applications. Used in narrow ring width applications for better sealing and less blow-by.

What Are the Different Types of Piston Rings?

Now that we’ve discussed piston ring material composition it is important to explain how many types of piston ring are commonly used. Modern pistons feature three different types of piston rings. Starting from the top of the piston you have the top compression ring. This is the primary ring that seals the piston to the combustion chamber wall. Below this ring you have the second or intermediate compression ring. This ring backs up the top ring by sealing the combustion chamber while also aiding in heat transfer and scraping oil from the cylinder wall. Finally, you have the oil control ring at the bottom, which has the piston ring function of controlling the amount of oil delivered to the combustion chamber wall for lubrication and cooling. Know that you can have different top and intermediate compression piston ring material selection in various ring packages, such as a ductile iron top ring with a cast iron intermediate compression ring.

Top and Intermediate Compression Ring Types:

• Conventional Ring: Top and 2nd rings with gaps that can be set for various uses (N/A, nitrous, etc.). This style of ring is often file-fit by the engine builder to a specific final specification. See the section on ring gaps below for more details.
• Gapless Top Ring: Provides increased horsepower and crankcase vacuum, used mostly on N/A engine applications to help fill the cylinder due to better ring seal. You want the gapless ring as close to the intake valve as possible. We offer Total Seal Gapless rings for your engine project build.
• Gapless 2nd Ring: Preferred ring for turbo or supercharged applications as well as boxer engines. With a turbo or blower helping to fill the cylinder the gapless 2nd ring is utilized to keep heat and contaminants out of the oil pan. A gapless top ring can be used in boosted applications as well but is certainly more effective in N/A setups.
• Gas Ported Top Ring: Increases horsepower by improving ring seal. The gas ported top ring features lateral gas ports machined into the top of the ring, which adds the benefits of gas porting to any piston. Works for both street and competition engines.

Oil Control Ring Types:

• One-Piece Oil Control Rings: Rarely used today, they are like a compression ring where the tension against the cylinder wall is taken from the ring’s cross section. A U-shaped design, the groove in the center moves excess oil back to the crankcase. Available with various ring profiles.
• Two-Piece Oil Control Rings: A coil spring is placed into the oil ring groove of the piston first and a special oil control ring is then placed over the coil spring. The spring provides the tension of the oil ring to the cylinder wall. Available with various ring profiles.
• Three-Piece Oil Control Rings: A pair of support rails with an expander between them for rail tension. The expander pushes the two rails, which act as scrapers, against the cylinder wall to remove engine oil and return it to the crankcase. This is the most used oil control ring design today.

Oil Ring Tension: When ordering piston rings, you often have the option of choosing the type of oil ring tension you desire for your engine build specs. You can choose from standard tension, low tension, and high tension oil ring offerings.

• Standard Tension: Varies by oil ring thickness, so a standard tension 3/16 oil ring is not the same tension as a standard tension 3.0mm oil ring. The thicker the oil ring, the higher the standard tension for that size.
• Low Tension: Also varies by oil ring thickness but does not always drop below the next size down in oil ring. For example, a low tension 3/16 oil ring is 15 lb/ft while a standard tension 3.0mm oil ring is 12 lb/ft. Utilized correctly, a lower tension oil ring increases horsepower and extends cylinder bore life.
• High Tension: Also varies by oil ring thickness, but inversely. For example, a high tension 3.0mm oil ring is 15 lb/ft and a standard tension 3/16 oil ring is 23 lb/ft. High tension oil rings are recommended for boosted and nitrous applications to reduce motor oil related detonation.

What Are the Different Types of Piston Ring Coatings?

Piston ring coatings are applied to the face of the ring (the side of the ring where it contacts the cylinder wall) to improve durability and lower friction. These coatings also provide faster break in. No longer do you have to drive 500 careful miles to break in your piston rings. With modern coatings they can break in quickly and provide a long service life. Ring coatings do affect piston ring price a bit, but we feel the added expense is well worth it for a modern performance engine build.

• Uncoated Cast Iron: Very soft for an easy break-in but doesn’t offer good durability.
• Hard Chrome Coating: Very hard for good durability but is very difficult for break-in with lower scuff resistance.
• Plasma Moly Coating: Rings bed in faster with higher scuff resistance, normally use a ductile iron base ring. Not for use with nitrous applications as the moly coating can fracture and break off the face of the ring.
• PVD Coating: Physical Vapor Deposition coatings provide a lower coefficient of friction, better adhesion and increased hardness compared to other coatings. Ideal for boosted and nitrous applications.

Are There Different Types of Piston Ring Profiles and How Are They Installed?

When we talk about piston ring profiles, we are referring to the outer edge of the ring that seals to the combustion chamber wall. Different profiles, or faces, are used for varying reasons, including increased sealing, greater oil control, and more. These ring profiles are often hard to see clearly, which is why all manufacturers mark their rings with a dot or the word “top” on the ring face so that the ring profile can be installed in the proper direction. This does not mean it is the top ring on the piston, but the orientation of the ring itself. Always install rings with the dot or “TOP” facing up.

• Square Face: Seals well but has higher wear, eventually wearing to a barrel shape, used on top ring.
• Barrel: Best sealing properties with longer life/lower wear, used on top ring.
• Taper Face: Used on 2nd compression ring, usually 2-4 degree taper of ring face to help scrape oil off cylinder wall.
• Napier: Groove machined under 2nd compression ring to improve oil removal from the cylinder wall.

The top compression ring will usually be a barrel face, while the second ring will often be a taper face or Napier face ring. The reason for the different profiles is to optimize the performance of the ring for the job it must perform.

How Do I Know What Size of Piston Ring I Need?

A piston ring’s diameter is directly proportional to the cylinder bore. If an overbore of the cylinder has occurred, then the proper piston ring size (and piston) must be ordered to properly fit. For example, a standard 4.00-inch bore that has been machined .030-inch to remove wear or wall damage will now require both 4.030-inch pistons and rings. A file to fit ring is +.005 over the bore size to allow the fitting of a tighter end gap in performance engines.

What Is the Standard Piston Ring End Gap?

End gap is usually specified by the ring manufacturer, but most fall back on the general rule of thumb of .-inch of ring gap per inch of bore diameter (for example, a 4.00-inch bore naturally aspirated engine would take a .018-inch top ring gap). Second rings are usually gapped at .006-inch per inch of bore. Again, for a naturally aspirated engine. The goal here is to have enough gap that as the rings are exposed to the combustion chamber’s heat that the ring end gap provides enough room for ring expansion without the ring ends butting up against each other, which will cause ring scuffing and even breakage. A piston ring end gap filing tool is the proper way to file both ends of the piston ring equally.

Boosted applications require larger ring gaps due to the increased combustion chamber temperatures these engine combinations see. Finally, some ring manufacturers spec the second ring to be gapped between .005-.010 more than the top ring to aid in preventing gas buildup between the top and second rings. Ultimately, we suggest going with the ring manufacturer’s specifications, for the ring material you’re using and the application. Be sure to watch our video on piston ring gap placement (clocking) for more details on proper ring installation.

Are Thicker Piston Rings Better?

Traditional piston ring sizing has been in fractional inch measurements. You’ll typically find top and 2nd rings in 5/64-inch, 1/16-inch, or .043-inch sizes, with oil rings typically in the 3/16-inch size. Modern engines moved to metric ring measurements of 1.5mm to 1.0mm for top and second rings with 3.0 to 2.0mm oil rings. These ring thicknesses have been the norm for decades, but moving to a thinner ring package has shown several advantages. With custom pistons, you’ll find types of piston rings as thin as .5mm (.020 inch). The thinner rings provide some great benefits, including increased horsepower and torque while reducing weight and compression height. Significant power gains can be had from utilizing thinner, modern rings and piston designs. While it has been more critical to use the proper piston ring installation pliers on thicker rings, we highly recommend that you use the same tool on thinner rings as well. The only types of piston rings that are OK to be “spiraled” onto the piston are the oil ring’s top and bottom rails. Never spiral the compression rings onto a piston.

As you can see, piston ring materials and piston ring function are just as critical to a successful engine build as the camshaft specs, cylinder head flow, and other major engine building decisions that you must make. We hope this guide has helped you understand what your piston ring options are and what is best for your build. If you have any questions on the types of piston rings your engine build should use, simply give our techs a call for expert assistance or reach out to your engine builder.

Products Featured in this Article

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Are you looking for the best engine piston rings for your vehicle? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of the top engine piston ring manufacturers in the industry. Whether you are a car enthusiast or a professional mechanic, this comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right piston rings for your engine. Read on to discover the leading manufacturers known for their quality products and exceptional performance in the automotive industry.

- Introduction to Engine Piston Rings

Engine piston rings are a critical component in any internal combustion engine, playing a crucial role in sealing the combustion chamber, regulating oil consumption, and transferring heat from the piston to the engine block. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of engine piston rings, focusing on the top manufacturers in the industry.

One of the leading manufacturers in the engine piston ring industry is Federal-Mogul. With a long history dating back over a century, Federal-Mogul has established itself as a trusted name in the industry, known for producing high-quality piston rings that meet the demanding requirements of modern engines. Their piston rings are designed to withstand high temperatures, pressures, and speeds, ensuring optimal engine performance and longevity.

Another top player in the engine piston ring market is Mahle, a German company with a reputation for excellence in engineering and innovation. Mahle's piston rings are precision-engineered to exacting standards, using advanced materials and technology to deliver superior performance and reliability. Their extensive range of piston rings caters to a wide variety of engine types and applications, making them a preferred choice for automotive manufacturers and engine builders worldwide.

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Hastings Piston Rings is another key player in the engine piston ring industry, known for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. With a focus on precision manufacturing and cutting-edge technology, Hastings produces piston rings that are renowned for their durability, efficiency, and performance. Their comprehensive range of piston rings covers a wide range of engine sizes and configurations, making them a popular choice among professional engine builders and enthusiasts alike.

Riken Corporation is also a prominent player in the engine piston ring market, offering a diverse portfolio of high-quality piston rings for cars, motorcycles, and industrial engines. With a strong emphasis on research and development, Riken continuously strives to improve their products and stay ahead of the competition. Their piston rings are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, providing reliable sealing and optimal engine efficiency.

In conclusion, engine piston rings are a crucial component of any internal combustion engine, and choosing the right manufacturer is essential for ensuring optimal performance and durability. The top manufacturers in the industry, such as Federal-Mogul, Mahle, Hastings, and Riken, have a proven track record of delivering high-quality piston rings that meet the rigorous demands of today's engines. By selecting piston rings from these trusted manufacturers, engine builders and automotive enthusiasts can rest assured that their engines will perform at their best for years to come.

- Factors to Consider when Choosing a Manufacturer

When it comes to choosing a manufacturer for engine piston rings, there are several crucial factors that need to be taken into consideration. Engine piston rings play a vital role in the functioning of an engine, as they create a seal between the piston and cylinder to prevent leakage of gases and oil. Therefore, it is essential to select a reputable and reliable manufacturer that can provide high-quality piston rings that meet your specific requirements.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a manufacturer for engine piston rings is the quality of the products they produce. High-quality piston rings are essential for the efficient and reliable operation of an engine. Therefore, it is crucial to look for a manufacturer that uses high-quality materials and manufacturing processes to ensure the durability and performance of their piston rings.

Another factor to consider is the reputation of the manufacturer in the industry. A manufacturer with a good reputation is more likely to produce high-quality products and provide excellent customer service. Additionally, a reputable manufacturer is more likely to have the necessary expertise and experience to meet your specific requirements and provide customized solutions for your engine piston ring needs.

In addition to quality and reputation, it is also important to consider the pricing and lead times of the manufacturer. While it is important to find a manufacturer that offers competitive pricing, it is equally important to ensure that they can deliver products in a timely manner. Delays in receiving engine piston rings can cause costly downtime for your operations, so it is essential to work with a manufacturer that can meet your delivery deadlines.

Furthermore, it is important to consider the manufacturing capabilities and capacity of the manufacturer. Some manufacturers may specialize in producing certain types or sizes of engine piston rings, while others may have the ability to produce a wide range of products. It is important to choose a manufacturer that can meet your specific requirements and provide the volume of piston rings that you need for your operations.

Lastly, it is important to consider the location of the manufacturer and their ability to provide timely support and service. Working with a manufacturer that is located closer to your operations can help reduce shipping costs and lead times. Additionally, a manufacturer that offers excellent customer service and technical support can help ensure that any issues or concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently.

In conclusion, when choosing a manufacturer for engine piston rings, it is important to consider factors such as quality, reputation, pricing, lead times, manufacturing capabilities, and location. By carefully evaluating these factors and selecting a manufacturer that meets your specific requirements, you can ensure that you receive high-quality piston rings that help optimize the performance and efficiency of your engines.

- Review of the Leading Engine Piston Ring Manufacturers

When it comes to the automotive industry, engine piston rings play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of an engine. The piston ring is a small but vital component that is responsible for sealing the combustion chamber, regulating oil consumption, and maintaining engine compression. Therefore, it is essential to choose a high-quality piston ring from a reputable manufacturer to ensure the longevity and performance of your engine.

In this article, we will review some of the leading engine piston ring manufacturers in the industry. These manufacturers have a strong reputation for producing top-quality piston rings that meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.

One of the top engine piston ring manufacturers in the industry is Mahle. Mahle is a global automotive supplier that is known for its high-quality engine components, including piston rings. Mahle's piston rings are designed to provide optimal sealing, reduce friction, and improve engine efficiency. They offer a wide range of piston ring designs to suit different engine types and applications.

Another leading manufacturer of engine piston rings is Federal-Mogul. Federal-Mogul has a long history of producing high-quality engine components, and their piston rings are no exception. Federal-Mogul's piston rings are designed to withstand the high temperatures and pressures inside an engine, ensuring reliable performance and longevity.

Wiseco is another reputable manufacturer of engine piston rings. Wiseco is well-known for its performance-oriented piston rings that are designed to enhance engine power and efficiency. Wiseco's piston rings are made from high-quality materials and undergo rigorous testing to ensure durability and performance.

Hastings is also a well-respected manufacturer of engine piston rings. Hastings has been producing piston rings for over 100 years and has a strong reputation for quality and reliability. Hastings' piston rings are designed to provide superior sealing and optimal performance, making them a popular choice among engine builders and automotive enthusiasts.

In conclusion, choosing the right engine piston ring manufacturer is essential for ensuring the performance and longevity of your engine. The manufacturers mentioned in this article are some of the top players in the industry and are known for producing high-quality piston rings that meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. Whether you are looking for improved engine power, reduced oil consumption, or better engine efficiency, these manufacturers have piston rings that are sure to meet your needs.

- Features and Benefits of Top Engine Piston Ring Manufacturers

When it comes to the top engine piston ring manufacturers in the industry, there are several key players that stand out for their exceptional quality, innovative designs, and reliable performance. Whether you're in need of piston rings for a diesel engine, a high-performance racing car, or a heavy-duty industrial application, these manufacturers have you covered.

One of the leading engine piston ring manufacturers in the industry is Mahle. With a long history of producing high-quality engine components, Mahle has earned a reputation for excellence in the automotive industry. Their piston rings are known for their precision engineering, durability, and exceptional sealing capabilities. Whether you're looking for standard piston rings or custom-designed solutions, Mahle has the expertise and experience to meet your needs.

Another top manufacturer in the industry is Federal-Mogul. With a wide range of piston ring options for various applications, Federal-Mogul offers high-quality products that are designed to deliver superior performance and reliability. Their piston rings are manufactured using advanced technologies and materials to ensure longevity and optimal engine performance. Whether you're a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, Federal-Mogul has the piston rings you need to keep your engine running smoothly.

Hastings Manufacturing is another top player in the engine piston ring industry. With a focus on innovation and quality, Hastings has been a trusted name in the industry for over 100 years. Their piston rings are designed to withstand the toughest conditions and deliver consistent performance under high temperatures and pressures. Whether you're working on a vintage car restoration project or a modern industrial engine, Hastings has the piston rings you need to get the job done right.

Finally, Total Seal is a top engine piston ring manufacturer known for their cutting-edge technology and performance-driven designs. Total Seal offers a wide range of piston ring options for racing, street performance, and industrial applications. Their piston rings are engineered to provide maximum horsepower, torque, and efficiency, making them a top choice for professional racers and engine builders alike.

In conclusion, the top engine piston ring manufacturers in the industry offer a wide range of high-quality products that are designed to meet the needs of various applications. Whether you're looking for durability, performance, or precision engineering, these manufacturers have the expertise and experience to deliver top-notch piston rings that will keep your engine running smoothly. Trust in Mahle, Federal-Mogul, Hastings Manufacturing, and Total Seal for all your engine piston ring needs.

- Conclusion: Selecting the Best Manufacturer for Your Needs

When it comes to selecting the best manufacturer for your engine piston ring needs, there are several key factors to consider. In this article, we have covered the top engine piston ring manufacturers in the industry, highlighting their strengths and capabilities. Now, in the conclusion, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision when choosing a manufacturer for your specific requirements.

First and foremost, it is essential to assess the quality of the engine piston rings produced by each manufacturer. Look for companies that have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products that meet or exceed industry standards. Consider factors such as material composition, manufacturing processes, and quality control measures to ensure that the piston rings you receive are reliable and durable.

In addition to quality, consider the variety of piston rings offered by each manufacturer. Different engines require different types of piston rings, so it is crucial to choose a manufacturer that can provide a wide range of options to suit your specific needs. Whether you require standard piston rings, performance-enhancing rings, or custom-designed rings, look for a manufacturer that can accommodate your requirements.

Another important factor to consider is the manufacturer's production capacity and lead times. If you have a strict deadline to meet, you will want to work with a manufacturer that can fulfill your order in a timely manner. Consider factors such as production facilities, equipment capabilities, and workforce size to gauge each manufacturer's ability to meet your requirements within your timeframe.

Furthermore, consider the manufacturer's reputation and customer service. Look for companies that have a strong reputation within the industry for providing exceptional products and customer support. Reading customer reviews and testimonials can give you insight into the manufacturer's track record of customer satisfaction and reliability.

Lastly, consider the cost of the piston rings offered by each manufacturer. While price should not be the only factor in your decision-making process, it is essential to choose a manufacturer that offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Compare pricing quotes from different manufacturers to determine which one offers the best value for your specific needs.

In conclusion, selecting the best engine piston ring manufacturer for your needs requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Assess the quality, variety, production capacity, reputation, customer service, and cost of each manufacturer to make an informed decision. By following this guide, you can ensure that you choose a manufacturer that meets your specific requirements and delivers high-quality piston rings that perform optimally in your engine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top engine piston ring manufacturers in the industry have proven their excellence through years of innovation, quality products, and exceptional customer service. These companies have set the standard for reliability and performance in the automotive industry, earning the trust and loyalty of customers worldwide. As technology continues to advance, these manufacturers will no doubt continue to lead the way in producing top-of-the-line piston rings that keep engines running smoothly and efficiently. So, whether you're a professional mechanic or a car enthusiast, you can rely on the products from these top manufacturers for all your engine piston ring needs.