I have an 89 tpi 350 8 engine code, I just ordered a set of total seal gapless rings. The top and second rings are direct replacement and fit just fine. The oil ring however; does not. the width of the oil rings is probably 1/16" wider than the stockers were, so when they are installed on the piston you can visibly see that the oil rings stick out of the edge of the piston just enough to make them way too tight to install. I tried to install one piston and it was a fight to get it in which i knew wasnt right.

Any help would be great since i wont be getting the engine assembled this weekend!

 

Are you using a piston installer?

 

If you have ther correct ring set,it sounds like the oil ring expanders not correctly assembled with the twin wipe rings

http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/...3814&start=230

http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/...php?f=53&t=247

http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/...hp?f=53&t=3897

 

Sounds like you have stock pistons with the shallow oil ring groove design.

No option available other than, get the right (shallow) rings.

 

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/319282...e-carlo/page-8
Here is a pic of the rings I would assume the shallow ring option is probably the case. I can put the rings in the cylinder and have no issues the end gap is good, its just when its installed.