Ring gap on 3.8 rebuild

[turbota440]

What are the typical ring gaps using JE rings and pistons on a 109 engine ? Top and second ring in particular. Instructions call for about .019 top and a .021 on second ring with a finish bore of 3.835.
Thanks

 

[Nick Micale]

So you want an "internet" answer when you have the specs recommended by the company that took your money, and suspect their info could not be correct, or someone here has a better answer?

If you have any doubt, call JE direct.

 

[turbota440]

No not the internet I'm not on TurboChevy.com.
Ring manufacturer have a category of use specs. Their specs are generic to all brands. So I need to choose. I respect the Experience of the Buick community more than a tech at some company that has had no Buick experience and maybe only knows what he reads.
So the difference might be a couple of thousands and might not mean anything in my use but if I'm going to go to the trouble of file fitting I might as well do the best that I can.

 

[earlbrown]

I like .005" per inch on the top ring, and .006" per inch on the bottom ring.


This is one spec where I like a little extra room. A few extra thou isn't going to hurt, but if the ends touch, it's a very bad day.

 

[OhioTurbo6]

By all means you don't have to take my suggestions but, for a stock rebuild (stock boost level) I use the factory gaps. On a high boost engine I like .020" top and bottom gap.