Piston Rings~

[zak_62]

Hello people~
The piston ring pricing for HC engine is so expensive. (feels like robbery) What's the big deal about the HC rings?
How about aftermarket rings? Would I jeopardize my motor if I use non-OEM rings?

[lotusguy]

Hi,

Yes, you can kiss the motor goodbye if you stray from the OEM rings on an HC 910 engine. The reason is that the liners are specially coated with a nickel/silicone material (Nikosil).

The OEM rings are specially created to be compatible with this coating. 'Regular' hardened rings will chew it up resulting in liner wear and ultimately, engine failure.

The OEM rings are spendy, but consider that the 'Nikosil' liners, w/ their matched pistons go for $1200/hole ($4800 the set). The cost of OEM rings pales in comparison. Bite the bullet and go OEM! Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE

[superdave]

zak_62 said:

Hello people~ The piston ring pricing for HC engine is so expensive. (feels like robbery) What's the big deal about the HC rings? How about aftermarket rings? Would I jeopardize my motor if I use non-OEM rings?

Give PNM Engineering a ring on [phone] and ask for Pete. They have now developed pistions and liners to the exact specification as Lotus OEM ones for most Esprit models at reasonable prices. I beleive thay ship anywhere. There most recent orders were to the Lotus Factory direct for the G shape cars.
If you speak speak to them, tell them that I said Hi.

Cheers,


Dave Walters