I am ordering a set of 30 over rings for my camaro, but it doesent have the origional block in it and the parts store wants to know what year model. I dont know what the year model is on the block, but does it really mater. Seems like rings are rings no mater what year model the block is. Am I wrong here?

 

No it doesn't matter.

Just tell him it's your favorite year model, whatever that is, and move on. Easier than arguing.

 

Rings have to be matched to whatever the PISTON requires. Ask your piston manufacturer what rings to use. Usually only a few different selections fit a wide range of different pistons.

 

The ring DIAMETER will have to match BOTH your cylinder size AND your piston size.

The WIDTH of the rings will have to match the width of the piston ring lands. Normally 5/64 on SBC.

The DEPTH of the rings will also have to match your piston land depth.

Most any 5/64 ring pack will probably work but this is something that you MUST get right.
Close CANNOT even be considered ok in this area of your engine.

If your block has been bored .030 over or you plan to have it bored that size then that's the bore size rings you need.

You can't put .030 over rings in a standard 4.00" bore block.

Check the ring END GAP with a feeler gauge before installing them.

End gap should be in the neighborhood of .018 -.025.
A little more won't hurt anything.

Check the piston skirt clearance while you're checking.
Piston mfg will tell you what clearance to run with their pistons.

 

wow. thanks guys.