92hatchLX

I've got 140,000 miles on my engine and if I was to get some high performance heads would I have to get new rings? This sounds like a stupid question but my ignorant dad is telling me that I'm not going to do heads unless I put new rings in it also. I understand where he's coming from I don't think it makes much sense.

fastfox86

He's right. You're rings won't last long with that much mileage if you put fresh aftemarket heads on it.

Quik

you dont need to change the rings on the pistons. your motor isnt really abused i wouldnt worry about it. many combos got over 150 and making great figures. slap them on there and see gains. if the motor smokes then yes wait and get a rebuild but if motor checks out great then rock some heads. remember this its a 302 not something else

92hatchLX

Ya I know it. He's relating my car to back in the day when he was runnin his hotrods, it just seems like a pain in the *** to take apart the bottom end just to do rings. I can see where he's coming from with this but like Ohsoquick said if I ever do get a pair of heads and it starts smoking I'll probably just do a rebuild. Thanks guys.

JD1969

Not to sound like an ***, but could you explain why you think this please? Please don't post a reply if do not know what you are talking about. Again a not trying to mean but there is alot of mis-information going around and it's time we start putting a stop to it.

The rings in your motor are more than likley fine, in fact I bet you still see the factory hone marks on the cylinder walls. I have seen factory 100k plus short blocks go 11's, so unless your motor smokes like a chimney then no don't replace the rings.

92hatchLX

I'm not siding with fast fox because I strongly disagree with this because the raised compression with worn rings would cause you too burn oil.

Quik

its not going to cause you to wear out those rings. its a 302 for holy sake!!!!!!!! they can handle alot of abuse. also you shouldnt just do rings, if you do rings you might as well as do a 306.

youre rings will wear more if the crank or bearings are worn. rock some heads and call it a day

JD1969

You would already be burning oil if your rings were that weak. Newer cars (I.E. from the 80's and up) have better ring seal than older (cars from the 60's and 70's). This is due to better machining of the cylinders and better materials used in the production of the rings themselves.

C/Note

RUN A LEAKDOWN TEST

Grey Fox

If you're not having any problems now, you won't when you put the heads on. Put 'em on and let 'er fly...