<VV> Rings

[BobHelt at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/26/05 7:49:16 AM US Mountain Standard Time, 
geoffj at unm.edu writes:

> Just wondering thoughts on 1 piece cast  oil contol rings.

Interesting! The 1960 Corvairs and probably 1961s all used the one-piece cast 
iron oil ring. This was probably a cost-saving feature. In 1962 they went to 
the three-piece oil ring and continued that for the rest of production. Ring 
manufacturers tend to pick-up on the car specs and stick with those, so that is 
probably why the one-piece rings are still available. (conside the 
half-flange main bearings still available!!!!)

Three piece oil rings are just improved technology. The one-piece ones work 
OK, no problems in general. It's just that the three-piece ones provide better 
oil control due to their higher unit tension and flexing capability. The also 
are chrome plated at the wall contact surfaces so as to provide improved ring 
life. If given a choice, I'd always use the three-piece ones.

Regards,
Bob Helt