Calling all engine builders

[Smrtpunk]

I'm in the process of building an M20, the pistons were scuffed on the skirts so my engine builder recommended picking up new pistons. I then picked up a set of new pistons w/rings from Bavarian Auto recycling.

The rings that came with it are Hastings cast piston rings. My engine builder and machinest have stated that cast rings are of lower quality and I should have picked up either chrome or molly rings.

What are your beliefs on this, these guys are more Small Block Chevy style builders and don't have that much experience with BMW engines. I checked hastings site and they only have one part number for the 84-87 325E engine there is no mention as to if the rings come is different materials.

Any thoughts?
Ian

[Cabriolet]

ive used the Goetze brand rings. the oil rings have been hit or miss. if i was gonna do it again id just get the genuine BMW rings

[jlevie]

If I am replacing rings, I'll always use the OE parts. And the same for bearings.

[Myster-E]

I'm running steal Hasting rings on my 2.8 with no problems (3500 miles).

[Smrtpunk]

I'm running steal Hasting rings on my 2.8 with no problems (3500 miles).

OK Great, I'm thinking I'll probably just go with it. I got on the phone today with Bavarian Auto and they seemed to think it would be fine as they sell these rings with all there pistons and never get comebacks.

I wonder what kind of ring material is the OE ring? Anybody?

[Cabriolet]

im my personal exp. everything i have bought from bavarian auto has been less that ok quality.

[Exodus_2pt0]

If you want it to last as long as the original, go with OEM.

[Bearmw]

Maybe ring selection also has to do with cylinder wall finish and honing method and the type of break in expected but I don't know the details. I read somewhere that a "budget" rebuild with a fairly rough finish rehone (not rebore) was OK to use the less expensive rings.

[MR 325]

If you want it to last as long as the original, go with OEM.

Unless you have personal experience on the matter, you need not reply.

Hastings is an excellent company and has been making parts for almost 100 years.

[SkiFree]

As Myster-e an Mr325 have already pointed out, Hastings or Deves rings work just fine.

Keep in mind the engine builder is most likely just trying to keep your best interest in mind. He is not necessarily WRONG, just going from his experience.

[Exodus_2pt0]

Unless you have personal experience on the matter, you need not reply.

Hastings is an excellent company and has been making parts for almost 100 years.

So have you personally run aftermarket rings for 250,000 miles? I'm not saying it would be a problem. All I said was well, what you read...

If you want your engine to last as long as stock, use the parts that came in it originally. This is not a E30 specific opinion, it applies to any vehicle that was engineered properly from the factory to last.

[JasonC]

Like MR 325 has said, they been around for many years, its just that some sbc guys like the chrome moly over the cast rings.

[The Humjet]

We use Hastings rings on our American v8 motors we build they're a good company and seem to hold up fine even with all the hp they push.
And like skifree mentioned us engine builders in the end want you to be happy and keep a good reputation. Last thing we want is an engine to come back and get rebuilt at our cost.

[TobyB]

Deves do just fine too...

t

[JBecker]

Most engine builders say to use chrome rings but personally I don't like them. I would rather have my rings wear out then my block wear out.