Assembling my SBC and the installation guides at my disposal (not GM) show either front-to-back or top-to -bottom orientations of the ring gaps and oil ring spacer ends. Which, if any, is better / preferable ? I can see a shadow of a line in my bores (honed only) where the previous ring gap rode.
I wouldn't put them exactly where they were before. I know there are some charts around showing the best way to put them but I don't remember following one. I usually try to not have them over the wrist pin holes and usually stay at what would be 10, 2, 4 and 8 oclock location wise or reasonably close to that.
Just stagger them apart 180 degrees from each other. All the diesel overhauls I have done just get installed like that and I've never had a problem. Often times the rings will rotate in operation anyway Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Do not put any gap on the thrust side of the piston. Stagger them as you chose around the rest of the circumference.
I agree with Mr48Chev....ive built literally dozens and dozens of motors as a diesel mechanic on everything from motorcycles, cars, trucks and including locomotives. try not to line up with wristpin holes and on three ring pistons 10-2-6 o'clock spacing, on 4 ring pistons 10-2-4-8 o'clock spacing has always worked just peachy keen.
Stagger them in whatever way you think works best. In the end it doesn't really matter, they're going to move around anyway. https://www.highpowermedia.com/blog/3954/rotation-of-piston-rings
Some say the gap on the thrust side will try to gouge the cylinder, leaving a vertical ridge in the wall. Others say the rings will move around anyway, and that it makes no difference.
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