Glossary / General

ring seal

8 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

ring seal is a term you might hear when people talk about cars.

Technical Definition

Ring seal refers to how well the piston rings seal the combustion gases and control oil consumption. Better ring seal reduces blow-by, which can increase power and improve piston/ring life. Ring seal is strongly influenced by cylinder geometry, honing quality, and correct piston-to-wall clearance.

Hear It Discussed

"But theoretically, a more stiff cylinder wall is going to have better ring seal. And so you're capturing more of the power you're actually making."
Why MORE Horsepower Is LOSING In 72 Fast Diesel Racing Power Driven Podcast 42:17

"And now you don't have ring seal. And that's an important part of the area of trying to make the kaboom and a normally aspirated engine, especially so"
Steve Johnson - 40 Years of Racing Hidden Horsepower by Total Seal 21:46

"Keith Jones and myself, if you've got a question about ring seal, about piston rings, you should send that to me."
Ignition 07/13/2026 WFO Radio Podcast 04:41