I'm in the process of rebuilding the 98 SC2 engine that I removed and replaced with a doner engine until this rebuild is complete. The original engine was in the car I bought brand new and was by the book well maintained ...it checked out stradard in all respects. My question is I ordered from Silv-O Lite a set of Hypereutectic pistons and a set of Seal Power No file Fit piston rings, It took a while to get the Pistons but after I went to install the rings It was noted that I had to increase the top ring gap by .40. I called Sil-O- Lite tech support and was told yes I have to increase the top ring gap because these type of pistons with silicone because do not absorb more heat then just stock all aluminum pistons do. So I assume the top ring itself exspan thus the need to increase the ring gap I ordered a manual ring filer but it was a piece of Chinese junk so sent it back. I would like to know if anyone here has used these types of pistons? I don't like the idea of more heat absorption of the top ring and having to file the top ring to avoid ring or piston failure. Any thoughts on this?

 

I have no idea, never used them. I always use my machinist to provide finish clearance.

 

I'd call Sil o Lite back and ask them if there's a set of rings that they can recommend. I've never even heard of that type of piston. Of course, it's been about 45 years since I rebuilt an engine. I haven't had a car that I liked enough to keep it and rebuild it in the past 45 years.

 

It has been a while since I've done a complete rebuild right in that 40 year mark too. But I started out building Flat Head V8s in the beginning of the very early 60s when I work for my Dad's auto repair and built Hot Rods in the 60s. I worked as a mechanic until I was 39. I have all the tools and my shop doing other repairs on folks and my own cars and trucks. But this was a car I bought for my wife in 98. She can no longer drive it. The clutch finally started to go and I happen to find a ragged SC2 but decent motor 157K and swapped it out. Although I'm in my 80s I figured I would tear down the 98 engine and see what I got. The cylinders had no lip and you could still see the cross hatch. I dial bore gauged them, mic the mains and rod journals everything was within spec. I am the type of person that has to keep moving and doing. Saw to many old guys die in their Lazy Boy! I started late yesterday filing the top ring using some of the old rings to get the hang of it. It went well, so it is doable. I was curious if anyone here had used these type of pistons and what they thought of them. I am posting a pic of the day I finished the swap and installing doner engine.


the day I got the SC2 motor swap done.

 

I admire your work ethic. I also like to keep busy. Before I moved from FL to AL, I was the neighborhood handy man. A lot of people would bring me their lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws and all kinds of appliances to see if I could fix them. They all told me I didn't charge enough and I probably didn't, but I loved staying busy. After Covid hit and we moved to AL, I still help a few neighbors with different things, but I've slowed down due to back issues. It's hard to bend over the engine bay nowadays.

 

Having been unemployed for 14 months and counting, I now tear down diag and repair

• front load washers
• Front load dryers
• Dishwashers
• Refrigerators

I've had a good handle on basic HVAC troubleshooting and repair except for refrigerant levels and refilling because I don't have a license to get the gauges or the refrigerant.

Oh, and I just added GE double ovens to the list. Diagnosed and replaced a bad front membrane panel. Thankfully there are still circuit board refurbishers out there that don't mind making a dollar on 20 year old parts that are otherwise sold new by GE for $600.

 

Oh, by the way, what you did is still on my bucket list.

I'm jealously proud of you.
Use it, move it, or damn straight, you're going to lose it

 

Yeah Those bucket lists ...mine is almost to the point of overflowing!

 

Sadly mine seems to have a hole

 

I have been slowly getting the 98's engine rebuilt. I had one goof up on my part and had to reorder a set of rings. I had to file the top ring according to instructions on the pistons I got. The ring gap had to be enlarged. So i ordered a cheapo ring filling apparatus and did practice with the old rings but when I started on the new rings and I am going to blame my 80 year old eyes, I did the initial filling checked the gap went back to continue filling and started on the other side of the ring that was not to be filled! Not only did I file the wrong side I some how got the cut not perpendicular and then trying to fix my goof up made the gap to wide. After that i started marking the side to file with a red marker and did the last 3 top rings with no problem then waited for another set of rings to arrive to finish the job. The rest of the rebuild went according to Hoyle. Posted some pics of my endeavors. Thats it for now still some minor things to do timing chain and all that but almost done. The doner motor from the 97 is still doing OK, burns a bit of oil and will hopefully put the new rebuild in next summer. Now that depends if in get the LSD into the MP3 this winter. I slow down a lot in the winter months