You're kidding me about the "borrow" thing, right?MAMotorsports said:An RA is a roughness average of the surface in micro inches or (micro meter). Measuring RA value of cylinder bore surface will tell you if you are on the right track. At the very minimum you need a profilometer. The profilometer measures RA and works by dragging a stylus across the surface giving you your roughness average value. Different ring patches require different ring values in order to seal properly. If you tell me what ring package you are using, I can tell you the RA you need. The profilometer is typically 5K to 15K dollars. See if any local machine shops near you have one that you can possibly borrow.
Wow, this gives me a headache and makes me depressed at the same time.With today's technology it is essential that you get the proper RA for the ring package you are running to get the longevity and reliablity of your ring package.
Next, you need to get a bore gauge and make sure you don't have bore taper. On a motor that has been run, it develops tapered wear patterns. Typically it wears more at the top then at the bottom. This is because it is wear loads and heat is the greatest. A tapered cylinder is hard on the rings because it forces the rings to expand and contract with every stroke of the piston. The in and out movement of the rings also cause wear in the piston ring grooves. Tapered cylinders also increase piston to bore clearance which in turn increases blow by, reduces compression and causes the engine to consume oil. Blow by can create additional wear problems within the engine by washing oil off the cylinder walls (this accelerates ring wear) and by contaminating the oil in the crank case with fuel and moisture. Taper wear typically leaves a small ridge at the top if each cylinder. If the ridge is more than .033, it must be removed before the rings can be installed.
If you need any help, don't hesitate. If I can help you I will. I want to see you up and running with miniumum problems as possible.
When we built this motor, the rings were filed down. I realize that getting it all machined and such is a better way to go about it, but can't I just get away with doing the same thing with a 12K old block?
Also, can/should I drive the car?