P.S.,Hope to be starting on my 540 in a few weeks.BOB

The second ring is more for oil control than holding compression. Anything that gets past the top ring needs to get past the second ring so as not to un-seat the top ring. This is why the second ring is recommended to be a couple of thousands larger gap than the top. On the JE end gap recommendation chart in most cases the second ring has a larger gap than the first.

Looks GOOD !! Now I have to get busy !!

Wette Vette,
Looks awesome!! I have used the trash screens for many years, good insurance. I have found stuff in the valley before, just cant remember what now.. (bad memories!! LOL)

I used Total Seal with a gapless top ring on my 565" motor. Not sure if it gets me any extra, but it sounded cool.
Does that Proform ring grinder work good? That is a time consuming job without a good one..

Dick

WETTE VETTE,My JEs should be here in a few weeks.I'll have to check out there chart.Thanks for the info.BOB

Craig
Really looks good!!Wish you a lot of luck..
What kind of heads are you going to use and who do you recommend to do the Head work? Im interested in getting mine redone or getting new ones, I was going to go bigger c.i. but think that 540 is enough but would like to get a good full flow job done on my Heads,( Have 1999 polished alum Darts now) or purchase a couple of sets that are aready done. do you know anyone that specilizes in heads for blown engines?
appreciate any advise you can give me on this subject.
Les

I aslo need a couple sets of Jesel rockers, Do you have?

Mr. Gadgets, The Proform filer works great!! It made filing the rings a fun project. I can honestly say I was able to hold about .001" tolerance which is tough with the manual files. In the past I have used the manual type of file and dreaded that part of the project.

Eliminator 219,
I decided to use Nickerson for all of the induction system. I got one of his new Stage 5 1250 Dominators that flows close to 1500CFM, a custom ground solid roller cam, and some 355 CNC Pro 1 heads. Dean has built a number of these motors with this combo and has dynoed low to mid 800's with a relatively mild cam by my standards on pump gas. If I were you I would call JimV from this board. He is the owner of Valacko Race Heads in GR Mich and has been in the business for a long time and specializes in boats. I couldn't effectively use my old heads on my new motor so I just decided to go with all of the parts Dean recommended in his proven package. Otherwise I would be using JimV as well. As for Jesels I have a set for my motor, but none for sale. They are the best rockers by far!!

I will keep everyone posted on my 598 engine building process!! Off to check some main bearing clearances!!!

Later,
Craig

Looking good!!Wish I had the scratch to build two of those monsters!!

If anyone runs into problems with JE pistons, I have a bud who works there so I might can get an inside line for ya.