Recently, OnAllCylinders contributor Jeff Smith wrote an in-depth article on the benefits of gas ported piston rings, specifically as an alternative to gas ported pistons.

The article talks about some key advantages, namely a better piston seal, thanks to combustion pressure momentarily pushing the rings against the cylinder wall.

That’s not all though. Gas ported pistons get plugged over time because they don’t have exposure to the detergents in oil, but gas ported rings are self-cleaning because they are always rotating and directly exposed to the detergents in the oil. The ports stay clean without carbon buildup.

Summit Racing Pro GPX Gas Ported Piston Rings are sold individually or in engine sets that typically include a top ring, second ring, and oil ring. (Image/OnAllCylinders)

So if you’re planning a high performance engine build, you’ll definitely want to hear about Summit Racing Pro GPX Gas Ported Piston Rings.

These rings add serious performance to ANY stock cast, hypereutectic, and most forged pistons without the expense and other downsides of gas ported pistons.

Here’s how:

Summit Racing Pro GPX Gas Ported Piston Rings have perfectly oriented slots on the top side of the top piston compression ring. Combustion pressure passes through the groove to get behind the ring and force it against the cylinder wall for a better seal. Not only can this improved seal increase horsepower, it dramatically reduces blow-by and may even eliminate the need for an oil catch can.

Remember, oil contamination is the greatest enemy to engine life. With a better seal between the combustion side and the bottom end, oil contamination is greatly reduced with gas-ported piston rings, which has a significant effect on your oil’s overall health.

Combustion pressure enters the ring groove, moves behind the piston ring, and then presses the ring out against the cylinder wall. (Illustration/Summit Racing)

Since the rings work their magic only during high pressure moments in the engine cycle, it significantly reduces internal wear against the cylinder walls. And because they gradually move around the piston head, these rings promote even wear patterns within each bore.

In other words, your engine will last longer.

Best of all, they’re available in practically every popular bore and thickness for virtually any brand or engine configuration you can think up.

See all of the Pro GPX Gas Ported Piston Ring options available from Summit Racing here.

One other thing to consider, Summit Racing GPX 3/16 in. oil rings are specially engineered with the lower friction and better seal of a 3mm oil ring, yet fit in 3/16 in. grooves. This nets big increases in power versus the older design 3/16 in. oil ring packs.

Most Summit Racing Pro GPX Gas Ported Piston Rings boast top tier nitride steel top rings, ductile seconds, and premium quality stainless oil rings. (Illustration/Summit Racing)

Author: Brian Nutter

After a stint in the U.S. Air Force, Brian Nutter studied at the Houston, TX-based School of Automotive Machinists in 1997. The early part of his automotive career included working for engine builders Scott Shafiroff and C.J. Batten, followed by several years developing performance pistons at Wiseco Piston Co. Today, Brian develops performance parts for Summit Racing Equipment and is a regular OnAllCylinders contributor. For fun, he runs his 427-powered C5 Z06 in ECTA land-speed racing, at OPTIMA® street car events, and at a mix of autocross, drag racing, and track days.