Keith black gap requirments

[Wicked_306]

I just put some keith black pistons in my 306. I set the top ring gap at about .021. I was reading on the internet and they said that it needs to be at .026 or it will cause the piston to break at high rpms. Does anybody have any experience with these. Will I be ok? Thanks

 

[txstang84]

I read about that on their site-apparently due to the way their pistons are cut, the top ring soaks up ALOT of heat thus the wide gaps...have you called up KB about it yet?

 

[Wicked_306]

No, i know what they are going to tell me because their website recomends .026" or clearence. I am just wondering if it will be ok or if they are just recomending that because somebodies piston broke and they have to put that so they can say they told you so if one your pistons break. I'm thinking it will be ok though. Its not goin to rev past 5500 rpms and is going to be tuned right. Anybody ran these pistons? What gap did you have?

 

[ExplodingGopher]

I have Keith Black pistons in my 466, you MUST.....repeat.....MUST use the recommended ring gap for the top ring unless you feel like taking your engine apart to replace a broken piston or two. It is the way they make their pistons, and yes that top ring takes much of the heat. Don't skimp on anything when building a good performance engine, its not worth the time and money you spent putting it together. I think it recommend a gap for my pistons around like .030" and i did just that, and a few weeks of revving to 6000 rpms killing all kinds of chevys and ricers, no problems or blowby.

 

[Wicked_306]

Thanks exploding. Looks like im pulling the motor again.

 

[Rick 91GT]

What do they say about opening the 2nd ring gap larger then the top (+.002") to help ring seal and reduce flutter?

 

[Wicked_306]

This is what they say http://kb-silvolite.com/article.php?action=read&A_id=32