This is for the 356 engine which I bought from someone who never used it so no idea how it ran before I got it. Its been sitting since 1974. Its been completely dismantled and the case has been split. Everything is looking very good except two things, top rings and valve guides. The heads are getting repaired right now and flycut. Bearings & seals will be replaced. Cylinders are looking good, maybe a light hone. Now I just need to decide what to do about the rings. As I mentioned, nothing looks bad including cylinders and pistons so going for a new bigbore set looks like a waste of money. What do you advise? The 356 mechanic who is doing the work reckons the top rings are a bit loose in the grooves. He said he might be able to machine the grooves and fit thicker rings. What do you think?
Raf

Raf, This guy had some 356B engine and interior parts for sale about 9 months ago in the trading post in Sydney 0414-223561. I always keep the numbers just in case!

If you get bigger rings then your stuck with that setup for the rest of the life of the engine.

Cheers

Steve

Somewhere you need to find what the tolerence is and measure the side gap and see for yourself if they are worn

What size pistons are they???

Can you use type 1 1600 85.5's??

If so for the $250 they cost for a 356 i would whack em in

I wish they were the same as VW. 356 engines have a stroke of 74 and bore of 82.5. The bigbore are 85. Original P&C are extremely expensive ($2k+)

Call me a philistine but could you bore the case for 90.5's???

Sounds like it would be cheaper???

PHILISTINE !!!!!!