Ring Gap Question, How much is too much?

[wjaholic]

Alright I am rebuilding a stock bore '73 440. I slipped my rings down in the bore and checked the gap with a feeler gauge, I consistantly get .027 on each cylinder. That is at the very top and down towards the bottom. They are straight as can be, they have been honed, but not bored. I am using standard rings, I believe they are Hastings that I got from P.A.W a while back. Every thing I have been reading says not to go over .025, I am just wondering if I am making a mistake by using these rings.

My question is: With the original pistons, and these rings, is that amount of ring gap going to cause problems? Am I going to have excessive blow by? This not going to be a race engine, I don't plan on getting over 5000 RPM. Going to be more like a daily driver. I wanted to ask around before I finish this stage so that I can pull them back out (only have 4 pistons in right now) in favor of some file-fit rings.

Thanks!

 

[MrMopar]

I would say that it is too much at .27 unless you are running a big shot of NOS, in which case a larger gap is better. The mopar books say somewhere around .10 to .12 for top and second rings, I believe, if my memory is correct. I had around .24 and had too much blow-by. Can you get an oversize ring and file fit them. That would be best if you are not boring it out.

 

[oldkimmer]

Its not the best idea to have that much gap cause when they break in it will gain 2 or 3 more thou....I have seen engines get by with big gaps as long as the revs are kept down, will likely make 25-30 k before starting to suck oil bad.... Dont worry, be happy....If u have the time u could file fit a .010 ring .A bore job would be best,all depends on the budget and time frame...........kim......