[Mgs] Ring groove width tolerance

[frankk12 at verizon.net]

Rick I once had a 65 Elan S2 and still have the factory issued shop and 
parts manuals. If you think those tolerances are listed in there I will 
check for you. They are in my library of shop manuals that go back eons. I 
sold the cars buit always kept the shop manuals for ever car I ever owned. 
Let me know if the list can't provide the help you seek. I am surprised 
Barney hasn't responded. Even tho it's not an A he seems to be knowledgable 
about many more cars that As.
Frank Krajewski
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rick Lindsay" <rolindsay at yahoo.com>
To: <mgs at autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2012 7:29 PM
Subject: [Mgs] Ring groove width tolerance


> Hello Friends,
>
> When it comes to technical issues beyond my knowledge, I turn to you guys, 
> independent of the engine manufacturer.  The engine I'm building is a 
> Lotus-Ford Twin Cam from a '65 Elan S2.  Here's the story and the 
> question;
>
> Bore = 3.250"
>
> First compression ring = 0.083" ring groove width, ring is designed for 
> 0.078" width.
>
> Second compression ring = 0.079" ring groove width, which is within spec.
>
> Oil ring = correct.
>
> Lotus specifies that the groove width limit is 0.080" but that's for a new 
> engine.  My question is whether 0.005" is a little too large for an engine 
> destined for mild street motoring (with a few moments of spirited driving 
> tossed in).  Or am I going to have to source custom rings? :-o
>
> Thanks in advance for any and all advice.  Respond off-list if desired.
>
> -rick
> _______________________________________________