The Total seals are supposed to have less than 2% leakage during operation but many people have installed them with conventional techniques and have had issues. From what i have read (i could be wrong) the total seals are installed DRY! many people install them with oil and this is where they do not break in correctly.

Technically if conventional rings are broken in right they should be just as effective as total seals in terms of operation. I have seen both work well (in other peoples cars), problems have been traced to possible install techniques.

Since i have never installed them or used them this is all info i have read and compared in my spare time. Like most things i suspect this will be a preference issue. If you do get them just follow the manufacturer install proceedure.

I prefer conventional just because thats what i am used to

Good luck
Terry
96 Eagle talon ESI
Greddy header - Greddy exhaust

97 Eclipse
Star Stage II - Boost/oil/EGT gauges - 3" custom DP/Apexi N1 3" exhaust - SFMU/return line - Apexi SAFC - Stage 2 6 puck Sprung hub MIBA clutch - Shortened shifter - Koni Yellows w/eibach prokit - Stillen Fr/Rr swaybars - ceramic intake - DEI Keyless entry alarm - Niche 17" Shoks

Waiting to be installed: HKS EVC IV, 450 Turbo injectors, GSX Front brakes (need rotors)