When Keith Jones, Director of Technical Sales at Total Seal Piston Rings, talks about piston rings, you listen. In a recent Hidden Horsepower question and answer session, Jones tackled some of the most common questions Total Seal receives from racers and builders, offering real-world insights with his signature blend of technical know-how and straight-shooting advice. As the off-season heats up, his guidance couldn’t come at a better time.

Here’s a closer look at a few of the standout topics covered by Total Seal:

1. Picking the Right Piston Ring: The Devil’s in the Details

“What’s the right ring for what I’m doing?” It’s a question Jones fields every day, but the answer depends entirely on the specifics of the build. “Give us those details and we’ll help you pick out the right ring package to make sure you get the best thing,” Jones says. Factors like block material (aluminum or cast iron), fuel type, cooling method, and whether you’re running boost or nitrous all shape the decision.

Jones also stressed that the engine’s purpose — whether for drag racing, street driving, or dual-purpose use — must guide the selection. “The more you can tell me about it, the more we can drill down and hone in on what is exactly the set needs to be and give you what you want out of it,” he says. Bottom line? The details matter, so don’t be afraid to provide them. Also, don’t embellish. 

2. End Gap: Bigger Isn’t Always Better, But It’s Safer

The conversation turned to end gaps, a source of stress for many builders. Jones laid out a simple rule that if you’re not sure, always go a little bigger. “If you’re putting an engine together, and you’re like, ‘oh geez, should I be .022 or should I be .024?’ Go .024. A little loose is always safe,” says Jones. A too-tight end gap can cause catastrophic damage, while slightly larger gaps are far more forgiving.

For everyday builds, Total Seal’s gapping chart is a reliable guide. However, Jones warned that extreme applications — like diesels running massive boost — require customization. His advice for those second-guessing themselves after over-filing a ring? Relax. “I get calls where someone over-filed a ring by two thousandths, they’re losing sleep over it and they’re going to overnight parts. This is nothing to worry about. It’s not going to hurt,” reassures Jones. 

3. Cylinder Finish: Where the Magic Happens

A great piston ring is only as good as the surface it’s sealing against, and Jones didn’t mince words about the importance of cylinder finish. “If you get this, you’re going to be sealed up right now,” he says, holding up a 3D model of a cylinder wall. Rings hate rough, uneven surfaces, so achieving a smooth, oil-retaining finish is crucial for fast and effective sealing.

Jones urged builders to invest in a profilometer, calling it a game-changer for measuring surface roughness. He also mentioned that his team will need a lot of information from customers before everything falls into place: “It’s always best to have as much information together before you reach out to us. If you’re not comfortable [sharing information to us], have your machine guy call us.”

Want More? Watch The Full Episode

From gas-ported rings to oil selection, Jones didn’t hold back in this comprehensive Q&A. If you’re serious about engine performance, his advice is worth its weight in horsepower. Check out the full episode on the Hidden Horsepower podcast.