Piston Rings

[MGTF1250Dave]

Aloha,

I'm getting ready to reassemble my TR3 engine and want to replace the piston rings. The usual sources offer them, but there is a wide range in price for a set, from about $40 up to about $81. I suspect that is because they come from a variety of manufacturers. Does anyone have experience with Hastings piston rings? They are long established US company headquartered in Michigan. Thanks.

 

[Brinkerhoff]

Dave, I've used Hastings for rings quite a few times and would not hesitate again. Like any re ring of an engine I've done, I always measure the end gap of the rings in the bore that they'll go in. Once in a while you'll find one with no gap that you'll need to file. Kevin TR3A , Healey 3000

 

[TomMull]

Hastings would be my first choice and I like the set with the one-piece oil ring, if you can find them, but that's just my personal preference. Also, turn the liners 1/4 turn to balance out wear. Tom

 

[Hap Waldrop]

I'll take Hastings or Grant anyday over Deeves, I absolutely hate thier oil control ring design. Add to that these days when you buy Deeves, you may not actually be getting Deeves for those that, that is important to. There only a handful of places in the world that make rings, and in some case form one manufactuer to another doesn't mean much, in other word a 1.5mm cat iron compression ring would not mean much form one maker to the next, but different companies take different appraoch to their oil control ring, and Hastings and Grant do a better job at this.
Try BPNW, they have good pricing and stock good quality parts.

 

[MGTF1250Dave]

Aloha All,

Thanks you all for the information. I was looking for quality parts for my first engine rebuild. I've read to many sad stories about poor quality replacement parts leading to rapid failure here. I don't want have to tear it down again because I skimped on parts. The engine was previously rebuilt (by some one else before I bought the car) with 87mm pistons with three rings. Hastings art number 6866 looks to be what I need.