Expert: Dan Liddy - 5/3/2006

Question
Hello, I built a sbc 377 racing engine for my circle track car.  I do my own engine building for the most part with some help from friends.  I put a set of moly piston rings in the engine with some help from a friend.  I did 4 pistons and he did 4.  Well he was watching me do another set of pistons today and said that wasn't how he did it for my 377.  He put the moly ring in the second ring groove instead of the top groove.  So my question is will that be harmful to my engine.  It is already installed in the car and running so I don't want to take it and tear it down if I don't have to.  

Answer
You  don't have to tear it down.  The two rings are basically the same. The  moly ring is made of touger harder stuff and will probably seal better after time.

Check with Summit Racint <www.summitracing.com>  for a leak down tester, and do a leak down after about two race weekends, then again every 5 or 6 race weekends.  Keep notes of course, and when it starts to show leakage, it's time to freshen.  Try to avoid the same mistake the second time.

I have decided that in spite of the expense, I am going to use Total Seal Gapless rings exclusively from now on. They are very well made, they last a LONG time, and compression leakage is almost nil.  Plus they give teriffic service.

I have their phone number and address if you need it in the future, but they advertise in Circle Track.

Good luck

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida