This is a question for anyone who has ever delt with JE or SRP pistons. I'm in the process of file fitting my rings and I'm following the instructions that came with the pistons. My application is N/A street/stip and the ring gap for the TOP ring is bore * 0.0045" and the ring gap for the 2ND ring is bore * 0.0050" . I have a 4.030 bore and the gaps work out as follows:

Top : 0.018"
2ND : 0.020"

My question is this, isn't the 2nd ring gap supposed to be smaller than the top? I've read is usually around bore*0.003". Not to say the instructions are wrong, but this caught my eye. So if anyone has had experience with JE/srp psitons or any other brands that call out a 2nd ring gap larger than the top please tell me I have nothing to worry about.

Also, any light on why the 2nd gap is larger? I've read that it's usually smaller because it sees less heat than the top ring.

Thanks

 

I just gap mine as the instructions say. If you have any doubt, ask the ring manufacturer. Different types of rungs need different gaps. You're not gapping stock replacement rings. The top ring is a true compression ring. The second ring is more of an oil control ring than a compression ring.

 

Stephen, thanks for your reply. I'm following the piston's instructions for gapping and they are totally different than the ring's instructions for the 2nd ring. But I talked to the race shop that did my machining and the guy said to follow the pistons recommendations. So thats what I'm going to do.
Anyway, it seemed a little confusing thats all, so I had to stop and ask some questions.