Noob question about replacing rings

[95 gsx]

Ok, here's the lowdown: the timing jumped on my current motor and destroyed all 8 valves on the exhaust side. The pistons are junk too because there were chunks of the valve stems literally embedded in them. Before all this, the car had perfect compression (150 psi across the board).

Despite the damage, the cylinder walls didnt take any abuse. Im wondering if it would be possible to take the pistons out, put new pistons in, and put everything back in just the way it was. I only need this motor to last a couple of months until it's put up for the winter.

To clarify, I will be putting the old rings on the new pistons, exactly the way they were before, as well as installing a new cylinder head and timing kit. Would it be a better idea just to have the walls honed and new pistons/rings put in or can I cut some corners? After all, it is only temporary.

 

[Jeff_Ciesielski]

in all honestly, if the rings are within spec, you would probably be ok, however, considering the price of piston rings, you really couldn't go wrong putting in a new set and honing the bores.

 

[luvmygst]

If you pull the pistons you need to replace the rings. Honing is up to you, there are a a bunch of threads about that subject. But I would defiantly replace the rings, they are cheap enough anyway and you could get the gaps set correctly. I don't think that the re-used tings would re-seat. I have reused a oil control ring before (one got bent during install) but I always replace the top 2 compression rings. Just my .02 its one of those things that would be worth the small investment to be sure it would work not if it might work.

 

[Cobrasatellite]

The cost savings definatly dont outway the possible issues. After that ring has been through so many heat cycles you chance hairline cracks with removal and instalation. Besides if your gonna do a rebuild even if "you only need it for a couple of months" you might as well do it right so you dont have to tare it all the way down next weekend besause your compression drops to like 150-155-150-12
Always safer to buy new.

 

[95 gsx]

Ok, you've talked me into replacing the rings. I checked at the stealership and they want $160 for the set. I then checked ebay and they carry a kit with 4 pistons with matching rings for under $100. I decided to have the crank polished and I am on the lookout for main and rod bearings too. I feel that if I buy the ebay piston/ring kit the quality wont be there and it will be a waste of money and time. What should I do??

 

[Jeff_Ciesielski]

Check with advance auto/checkers/parts america. A standard re-ring kit costs around 240 which includes all engine gaskets, rings and bearings. All you need is a set of pistons and you are good to go

 

[Big Woo]

If your buying a new piston set, just get one that comes with rings. A ring set will set you back a $100 or so, and pistons kits without rings are on average $40 cheeper than ones with rings.

 

[95 gsx]

Well, the block was dropped off at the machine shop today. They'll let me know tomorrow if they can just hone it or if they have to go 20 over.