MTFCA Forum

I'm considering to replace the cast iron pistons with aluminium pistons. I can see I can choose between Grant and Hastings rings of which the Grant rings are considerably cheaper than Hastings.
What are the difference apart from price? And what are the recommendations?

I have had trouble with the oil rings not sealing with the Grant rings but not with Hastings.

The less expensive Grant rings are actually the higher quality. The ring end gaps are usually right on and the clearance in the grooves is very good.

For what its worth; for about the last twenty years most of the parts vendors have been supplying pistons in red, white, & blue boxes that have the “GN” trademark cast into them, the Grant brand rings have been a superb fit on them.

(This is my experience having built multiple engines / short blocks per year for over 20 years).

Here in the South ain’t going to use no Grant rings.

Dan, now that made me laugh! My Grandma (born in 1912) would never wear the color blue…

If I remember correctly, one of the vendor catalogues (I'm thinking Snyders) had the statement that the Hastings rings have a "higher pre-load" than the Grant rings.

O.K., Guys. I'm at that crossroads now, too, with a friend's '26 engine, which has 0.020" over aluminum pistons. I didn't really get a feel from this thread for which brand piston rings is considered better. Does a "higher pre-load" mean the rings are more difficult to compress for installation? Wouldn't a stiffer ring also make those rings produce better compression? Or would they prematurely wear the cylinder walls? It's usually a safe bet in life to spend more for a quality item than for a cheaper one and you usually get what you pay for. Usually. But why the significant difference in price between the Grant and Hastings brands, amounting just under a 50% differential? This engine is not a fresh rebuild. Would that be a point of consideration for which brand to buy?
It's not my money I'm spending to make this engine run again. I don't want to do this on the cheap, but I also don't want to unnecessarily run up my friend's parts cost. Very simply besides the cost, what are the differences between the two brands, and given my engine description, which would YOU buy?
Marshall

I only use the 1 piece cast iron oil ring. Grant I think? Confirm with the vendor.
I like a .0045-.005 piston clearance. With the extra clearance, get .030 over & fit each ring to each cylinder.

Although it would still be good to read which brand piston rings people here recommend and why, it may be a moot point. I just checked Snyder's on-line catalog for information about these rings and discovered that Hastings rings in all sizes except standard have been discontinued. I wonder if this is just a Snyder's thing or whether Hastings is no longer making piston rings for Model T's. At a nearly 50% higher price than their competitor Grant, they may have overpriced themselves out of the market. Anyone know the scoop on Hastings???
Marshall

Hastings website shows only standard in stock. 8 sets.

Grant is 2 miles from my house, so them.

Hi Michael,
Something to keep in mind weather Grant or Hastings rings the aluminum pistons you buy can use either 1/8" or 5/64" compression rings. I seem
to recall that the 1/8" rings are getting harder to find ( that maybe the ones mentioned ) Small block Chevy 283 cu.in. engine has a standard
bore of 3 3/4" & the compression rings are 5/64" The ring makers may produce them longer than the 1/8" rings.
Craig.

And the good news is....., Ross and Wiseco still make custom pistons and ring sets to any size you need!

Hank: Custom piston and ring maker used by a Model T guy????
Only if the maker will give them away and pay shipping and come install them.
You forgot who we are talking about here.

For what it's worth, no one drive their model T more or as hard as I do. A recent engine problem on our return trip from Canada caused me to have to disassemble the engine in old #4. Broke a connecting rod. Last time new rings were installed was 25+ years ago and they were Grant rings. On disassembly, as I examined the parts I was really impressed with the condition of everything and the wear showing. If I listened to everyone's advice I'd have put new Hasting rings in during my re assembly, but those old Grant rings were part of my amassment and so that' what went back in old #4

Ed