Thoughts on reusing piston rings!

[HIERLEVELZ]

So I am looking ahead at swapping my stock rods and upgraded to I.E. rods. I've had a couple people tell me to simply remove the head from the car, drop the pan and subframe and swap the rods. I know the pistons can be reused w/o an issue but what about reusing the piston rings? Should the block be honed etc? I know a couple people who have done this but it does seem like a hit and miss method to me. Anyone done this and experienced any issues?

[dougyfresh]

Personally, going through all the trouble to pull the motor apart and replace rods I would put new piston rings in after a light hone just for good peace and mind. Unless your engine has very few miles on it. You'll also need new gaskets (head gasket, head bolts, etc..) for I don't think you want to pull the crank and drop the pistons out the bottom...

[HIERLEVELZ]

I figured a light hone and fresh rings would be the right way to do it. Any little material left from the honing shouldnt affect the crank bearings correct? Im no engine builder more than likely ill suggest any input i get here to whomever i choose to install the rods.

[A4_Joe]

I'm guessing your changing the Rod to push more power, correct?? Why is you replacing the Rods?? To handle more power or it's damaged?? If your replacing the rods to push more power i would recommend you to replace piston & the rings. The bottom end is like Heart for human, So If your building the motor to handle alot of power I would def. recommend replacing bearings, forged pistons & rings, rods & the rod studs... etc The block should be def. honed before you put everything back.

[HIERLEVELZ]

Stock pistons are forged and I.E. rods come with arp hardware. So essentially all I need is new rods, rods bearings, pistons rings and assorted gaskets.

[A4_Joe]

Stock pistons are forged and I.E. rods come with arp hardware. So essentially all I need is new rods, rods bearings, pistons rings and assorted gaskets.

are you sure about that??? I didn't know that stock piston were forged, by the way what i meant was aftermarket piston.

Could someone verify if the stock pistons are forged???

[HIERLEVELZ]

are you sure about that??? I didn't know that stock piston were forged, by the way what i meant was aftermarket piston.

Could someone verify if the stock pistons are forged???

I know what you meant. Stock pistons can handle alot of HP and for the power levels im looking at they will suffice I'm not spending money on aftermarket pistons. The weakest link is the rods period! And before we get off course and turn this into an engine building thread lets stay on the topic at hand; reusing piston rings. So far at least the general consensus is light hone and new rings.

[dougyfresh]

I do not believe the stock AMB pistons are forged. The only forged OEM 1.8T pistons I recall seeing are the AMU and AEB pistons.


My post above about your piston rings still stands true.


HIERLEVELZ.. What power levels are you looking for? The stock AMB pistons should be sufficient for what most people on here are doing. The stock connecting rods are weaksauce. Shawn (a4ringedone8t) posted up some photos of IE rods next to AMB rods but I can not remember where he posted that shot.

[HIERLEVELZ]

Doug your are right about the AEB's being forged i came from a b5 avant so I get my info mixed from time to time. In terms of what power levels im looking for. Short term goal is 300awhp. Later this year I'll probably upgrade the turbo and shoot for something more. I also counldn't agree more with you on changing the rings. Even though I seen it work for others I have a feeling if i cut corners and try it then Murphys LAw will own me.

[FourRings80]

If you're interested, A4 TSCHUSS (David) is selling some used AEB pistons with new rings for $200. Might be worth going with forged pistons w/20mm WP for that price. Are you going with forced pin oiling?

[HIERLEVELZ]

If you're interested, A4 TSCHUSS (David) is selling some used AEB pistons with new rings for $200. Might be worth going with forged pistons w/20mm WP for that price. Are you going with forced pin oiling?

I appreciate the offer but no thanks.

[Audi Skate Snow]

god im hung over

[HIERLEVELZ]

god im hung over

Thats nice! too bad its not relevant to the topic.

[Audi Skate Snow]

Thats nice! too bad its not relevant to the topic.

ok.


im hung over and dont reuse rings....

[old guy]

ok.


im hung over and dont reuse rings....

That's some funny shit! I literally laughed out loud when I read your reply!

Happy New Year! (And take a few Advil before you go to bed next time.)

[HIERLEVELZ]

That's some funny shit! I literally laughed out loud when I read your reply!

Happy New Year! (And take a few Advil before you go to bed next time.)

-smh-

[old guy]

-smh-

Or in the words of the Greaseman "shmr"































Shaking my head ruefully.

[Audi Skate Snow]

That's some funny shit! I literally laughed out loud when I read your reply!

Happy New Year! (And take a few Advil before you go to bed next time.)

ahahah you too bud!

on a real note though. for sure get some new rings. might as well do it right the first time.

[dirtybrd]

After some good drinking I always take something Advil etc. and drink a Gatorade before bed.

[dougyfresh]

Doug your are right about the AEB's being forged i came from a b5 avant so I get my info mixed from time to time. In terms of what power levels im looking for. Short term goal is 300awhp. Later this year I'll probably upgrade the turbo and shoot for something more. I also counldn't agree more with you on changing the rings. Even though I seen it work for others I have a feeling if i cut corners and try it then Murphys LAw will own me.

I think you'll be fine at 300awhp with AMB pistons and IE rods but I have not seen anyone publish dyno charts to back that up.

I have forged pistons and connecting rods and my car sees 300awhp and 28-30psi of boost daily.

[HIERLEVELZ]

I think you'll be fine at 300awhp with AMB pistons and IE rods but I have not seen anyone publish dyno charts to back that up.

I have forged pistons and connecting rods and my car sees 300awhp and 28-30psi of boost daily.

I'm also thinking of biting the bullet and buying one of the QED assembled 2.0 shortblocks.

[lookaught]

I'm also thinking of biting the bullet and buying one of the QED assembled 2.0 shortblocks.

HOw much are those? What are the components that he uses?

[HIERLEVELZ]

HOw much are those? What are the components that he uses?

http://www.qedpower.com/QED%20Engine%20Page.htm