I've been lurky the forums more often now. I've been reading about guys that blow their motors due to the piston ring gap being to small and the rings messing up the piston and cylinder walls. They were indoubtly modded. My question is at what hp level does this really become a problem? It is the first ring land I'm assume as well. I just saw TTP thread on the subject.

My car is mostly stock other than bolt ons. I would like to get a turbo manifold, intake manifold if it proves to gain extra power of course (with in reason), upgrade the turbo. I want 400whp. so be 450 ish at the crank. Is this something to worry about in regards to the ring land?

I was also thinking that mitsu made the cars run so rich (that and they knew people would mod them), to let the extra fuel take some of the heat off the piston?

 

Im sure the forum Guru's will chime in but I have read about guys making 500whp on the stock motor with no problems, then guys who have less and the engine goes. I am @ the 400whp mark and havent had any issues yet. Depends on how you treat the car. The biggest thing I can say is if you do cams either upgrade the springs/retainers or keep the stock rev.

 

Probably the most important factor next to tuning. I have a friends EVO VIII with well over 500 whp and it's been that way for two plus years. Completely stock motor.