Hi all...I'm planning some engine work for my 74 2.0 liter.
I've been advised to use the 96mm pistons and cylinders from AA.
Do the experienced engine guys here use the RINGS that come with the
P and C's from AA, or do you use something else?
Thanks!!

I purchased some other rings for mine. Not sire of the brand but never used them.

I checked the end gaps on the AA rings and they were perfect and they appeared to be exactly the same rings as the ones I purchased. But that just my single experience.

I'm (very) far from an engine guru, but I did a top end rebuild with the 96mm AA pistons and jugs and the rings were perfect out of the box. Engine runs great. But definitely scrutinze themn for any issues and check gaps before installing.

I purchased JE pistons through AA recently and they shipped with what I believe are Grant rings (although it was never mentioned in paperwork). They needed a fair amount of gapping. Parts are out getting balanced now, and I haven't decided whether to buy a set of Hastings or use the Grants. In the grand scheme of things, rings are pretty cheap, so I may just buy some Hastings.

Some interesting things I noticed with these (assumed) Grant rings:

1. As mentioned, there was almost no gap on 1st and 2nd compression rings as they came.

2. LARGE gap on the oil retainer rings (e.g., > .030 inch) out of the box which had me worried initially, but research suggests that's not really an issue on the oil retainers/scrapers as long they are not too close.

3. Paperwork indicates 2nd compression ring should have a larger gap than 1st ring, which runs counter to general guidance I've read here about 1st rings running hotter and needing more gap, but the machine guy says it is different metal on the 2nd ring and to go with their recommendations.

LOTS of threads on rings here, and LOTS of varying opinions and experiences.

And no, I'm not an engine guru either. Just sharing my recent experience.

If your going to do a 96 mm setup I would buy my jugs and keith black piston, and hasting rings from European Motor Works. They have the best set up.

[quote name='StratPlayer' post='2671324' date='Dec 5 2018, 11:32 AM']
If your going to do a 96 mm setup I would buy my jugs and keith black piston, and hasting rings from European Motor Works. They have the best set up.http://www.europeanmotorworks.com/vw/type-4-pistons-cylinders.html

What do you mean by "my" jugs?
Mike

Jugs (here anyway) = bores where the pistons go

Yes I know that...he said buy "MY" jugs. Does he sell cylinders?
Mike

With the Keith Black hypereutectic pistons the top ring gap is larger.

Get a hold of Mark Henry up in your neck of the woods. He is an expert Eng. m an and should be able to get you the right deal up there. Plus he is a very nice guy.

Bob B Burton

+1 for Mark. Also +1 for oem iron jugs overbored, KB slugs, and Hastings rings.

This is all good information. Just to be clear, I'd gladly pay for Mark Henry's work but
he's 3500 km from me!!!
Mike

What's the current cost of getting cylinders torque plate hone to accommodate 96mm cylinders vs. a set from EMS? The question should be comparing that cost against the qa of cylinders from AA or EMS.

Thanks for the recommendation guys
I'm competitive on LN products but not on iron cylinder sets.
When building complete engines for peeps iron P&C's are basically a loss leader for me.
I do a lot of heads for independent porsche shops, I have a steady customer in Edmonton, but for the most part distance is an issue.

My choice would be KB's from EMS or T4store.