All,
Been asking a bunch of questions here, and I appreciate the help. I'd like to get some file fit rings, but having a hard time finding some. The bore is 4.29 (.040 over 454) and the pistons need 5/64 rings. The top ring gap now is .024, and I think that could be closed up to .018 or so.

Regular replacement moly rings are about 55 a set, anyone know where to get file fit ones?

Thanks

IMO you're wasting your time worrying about the ring gap. You'll never notice .006". If you want to do something to make a good improvement, open the second ring gap up ~.005 more than the top ring.

Molly rings are becoming a thing of the past.

Ok, thanks. I haven't checked the 2nd ring yet, but say they are both .024 and I open the second one to .029, what will that do to make an improvement?

Also, the rings in the engine are probably fine (140 hours or so) but I have the engine apart for some upgrades. I figured a quick deglaze with the correct stone and re-ring. My question is if I were to use the same rings, what happens if the ring gap stagger got moved from its original spot, I assume the rings break in in their original spot and if moved will not seal as good, which was my main reason for a re-ring. Or am I just over thinking it?

BB,
You mean because people are using plasma?

I had a conversation with someone about 4-5 months ago and they basically said Moly rings were being phased out and going to be hard to get. I asked why? Was told everyone is using steel rings now. Steel rings are a much better ring and will take 10 times the beating a moly ring will. They do however require a different honing finish as with most different rings.

I think the steel rings are rough on the cylinder walls. I still use the moly rings in my engines think they work great. Total seal makes a bunch of them.

That's what all the auto manufacturers are using now.

if you had good ring seal before you took it apart no need to hone it,put it back and the rings will seal.make sure to lightly oil the bores&piston skirts.

No hijack Mr. M...................just thought I'd post this and see what others are doing