Slowly piecing together my 455 and it is time to fit the piston rings. I bought them from Summit Racing and the top compression ring is supposedly a 1/16" moly coated iron ring made by Hastings. I have the end gap fitted to around .018" on each cylinder, and they seem to be a quality product. Although, I am wondering if I should have bought a kit with a "ductile" top ring, instead of "moly coated" cast iron. I am pretty sure they are nothing special since they were $87, and wanted to here some opinions of Hastings and "moly coated cast iron" rings in general.

Also: These will go in a mid 9's compression 455 with forged pistons and Edelbrock heads. In your opinion, will these rings suffice, or am I cheaping out? Thanks

 

I have used them all the time, Olds and Chevy. The machine shop that has do none work for me, say they are one of the best. He does lots of different engines, and uses them all the time. Was good enought recomendation for me. I have never had a problem with them.

 

I understand they have a good name with race car builders.

Roger.

 

Hastings and Perfect Circle were the standard when I was young a long time ago. They have been around forever.

 

I'm not sure whether to post what I know of the current state of Hastings mfg. or not, if you are having good luck with your rings, then good. They are not the company that they once were.

 

Are any of them?
How many have been bought out and didn't change the name?
Lunati and Mondello immediatly come to mind.

 

It's not who owns them, but rather the lack of quality control at Hastings Mfg. in Michigan.

 

Trying to get thread back on track...

I'm looking to order Hastings rings today.

Toss up between the OEM style cast iron with Moly coated top ring # 2m661. $43

Or, #CM 5533 Claimer series moly top ring, lower friction. $100

This will be a street/strip 455 10:1, stock cast piston.

I'm leaning toward the claimer series assuming it will run at a lower operating temperature?

 

Cool. Thank you for the replies everyone. Hastings sounds like a reputable company, thats always good to hear. I am stoked to get this engine put together, and running, so I can find out for sure.

 

Regular moly top ring is fine. Unless it will be under extreme conditions you don't need a plasma ductile iron top ring.
Just make sure it's been honed for that style ring.

 

Good to hear. Thanks for clearing that up