Since I have time, I'm researching/educating myself on "stuff" Piston rings.. I was thinking low tension, or should I not even venture there? Is "low tension" referring to the oil control ring? I noticed Total Seal's oil ring, some are 30 lbs. Some are 20 lbs. Other manufacturers just say standard. Or is "low tension" referring to the 1st and 2nd ring thickness? 1/16 1/16 3/64 VS 5/64 5/64 3/16 Does Auto Tec even offer the "Buick" piston for the thinner ring packs? I've used Total Seal before, I'm going to use 'em on this build, I like 'em, and I want to capture every bit of power my new build is capable of making. What are your opinions or experience on low tension or thinner ring packs or are they the same thing?
Low Tension refers to the oil control ring.. 18 and 30psi are the general specs. I have run low tension oil rings in street motors for 15 years, no worries there. The factory LS motors have low tension oil rings. Yes, use the better 1/16 ring pack, been doing that also.. Your pistons can be configured for whatever ring pack you wish. I had a call from a guy who had purchased the Auto Tec pistons from a vendor. Vendor sold him flat tops for street use, and then recommended some wild cam and extra thick head gaskets to avoid detonation. Deal with Autotec directly, customizing your piston to exactly the specs you need costs you no more, figure exactly what piston specs you need for bore size, dish CC, ring pack, pin size ect, and call them direct and get that. JW
If I may add, to make sure you get the good rings with your AutoTec pistons you will need to choose a bore diameter that has good ring packs available. They do NOT make custom rings not even for custom pistons that I know of?(unless $$ is no object, than just about anything can be done) I usually go to the Summit website and write in piston rings in the search and then look at bore diameters to see what's available, with better choices @ .040" over unless your bores can clean up with a couple thousands you could stay with .030" rings, just get the file fit ones. I would just go to .040" over though because they can still just hone that much out. Here is a nice set that they can get 8 sets instead of 6 for you; https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pcr-41847cp-40/overview/ Really nice rings with the top ring made out of steel instead of cast for extra durability for higher performance engines and is even plasma moly faced, with the 2nd ring even plasma moly faced! After the above are broke in they would be an ultra low drag ring compared to the 5/64" factory style rings! Probably enough less drag to free up 5 to as much as 20 HP! Derek
