Well I was going to install some forged pistons when I put my new hg, clutch, and HRC stage 1 kit but my cash for the pistons fell through. Should I just install new rings or use my old ones until I plan on turning up the boost? I did a compression test a few weeks ago and had 190-195 across all four cylinders. And 215 after a cap full of oil. I only drive my car to shows and on weekends and the occasional nigh at the track. Let me know what you think I'm dying to get this car back on the road.

IMO buy new rings now just in case..and as soon as you have the money for the pistons i would get them. Boost creates a thing called "need for speed" and eventually you will turn up the boost, its inevitable!

thats exactly what I'm afraid of.

Come on guys 22 views and only one post? :shrug

Waite, i did a compression test i got 190-190-181-190

is that bad???, i got the same numbers as you. and i have a new stock rebuild on my motor....

i thought those were normal numbers?

Buying new rings is a waste of money. You might gain a bit more compression, but that's all you'll be getting (not worth the effort). You would be much better off to wait until you rebuild the motor. That way you are installing rings into a well honed perfectly round cylinder instead of a ball honed out of round cylinder.

If you're afraid of the stock rings failing because of the turbo, don't. The stock rings never fail because the piston ring land always fails first.

Originally posted by Matt_95tgs
Buying new rings is a waste of money. You might gain a bit more compression, but that's all you'll be getting (not worth the effort). You would be much better off to wait until you rebuild the motor. That way you are installing rings into a well honed perfectly round cylinder instead of a ball honed out of round cylinder. If you're afraid of the stock rings failing because of the turbo, don't. The stock rings never fail because the piston ring land always fails first.

Yeah you'll break the pistons first most likely.

I would run it as is until you can build it right.



Exile Racing Technologies: http://www.exileracing.com
una salus victus
It's holding down the garage floor right now.

I think I agree with guys. Shoud I go ahead and put the new hg on or should I wait on it too? :shrug Its not smoking or anything, just dripping out of the rear drivers side corner. Thanks for your help guys.

I'd wait on everything if I were you and try ASAP to come up with the money to get the pistons. Otherwise, your going to end up doing a lot of the work twice, which means more downtime for someone who is dying to get their car on the road. Keep savin' and do it all at once. With a stage I you won't be running that much of a risk of blowing pistons through your hood or anything like that ;)

Unless you are very close to having the cash for the bottom end, I'd do the headgasket.



Exile Racing Technologies: http://www.exileracing.com
una salus victus
It's holding down the garage floor right now.