I am rebuilding the engine in my '65 327/300, 4 spd. I know the pistons are not original as they are forged aluminum. The ring set is stock and the two upper rings fit very well, however the oil seal ring is loose in the gland. Does anyone know the original width and depth of this groove. The oil ring seems too sloppy a fit to me and I dont want it coming undone inside the groove, thanks.
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Re: 1965 piston oil ring size
Mark-----
Most PRODUCTION small block Chevrolet engines use a 3/16" width oil ring groove. I don't know the depth of the groove. Some aftermarket pistons use a 1/8" width oil ring groove. If one uses piston rings for the 1/8" groove pistons on pistons designed for the 3/16" groove rings, one will end up with a lot of "slop" (1/16", to be exact). I doubt that happened here, though.
One of the problems with forged pistons is accelerated ring groove wear. That's ONE of the reasons that I don't like them for street engines. Especially, since modern hypereutectic cast pistons became available.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: 1965 piston oil ring size
Joe, thanks for your help with this. I will try the rings the way they are and explore cast pistons for the future, Mark.Comment
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Re: 1965 piston oil ring size
the pistons can be regrooved to use a "spacer ring" if the grooves are too wide or worn. any good machine shop should be able to do this to get the proper side clearance.Comment
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Re: 1965 piston oil ring size
Thanks again!Mark.Comment
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