I had my 396 small block motor cleaned up and all critical machining specs set. Now I have a question regarding ring gaps.

The machine shop that performed the machine work is ready to assemble the shortblock. If I do not spec in something different the shop will set the end gaps per the ring mfg.

So here's my question. If I was to run a low does (125hp) of nitrous at some point would I need different end gaps than what is spec'd by the ring mfg?

This assumes the ring mfg does not have a spec for use with nitrous.

Thanks

Larry

You would be safe for short term use, but if it was designed for continual use open up the gap. (people are never satisfied with "only" x-amount of nitrous) so it would be better to err on a wider gap than to butt ends. Only you know your driving habits.

This is a case were a Total Seal gapless ring might be suitable (one set for a wider gap for anticipated spray of giggle gas that may never happen).


Larger Dave

Larry,
Most ring manufacturers give different specs for stock, race, nitrous, blowers etc. If you tell him the intended use and he follows the manufacturers recommendation for that use, you should be ok.

IMO If you are going to use nitrous build it for nitrous. Gap the top ring for the max amount of N2O you will use and gap the second 50% more.
The loose gaps will not hurt much (if any) while on the motor and you will be much better off when on the spray.

Thanks to all for the advice. I will have the engine builder properly gap the rings for nitrous just in case I decide to spray the motor in the future.

Larry