Spiral Lockrings vs. Snap Rings

[Demon Daze]

I am replacing stock pistions on my 1971 340 with Keith Black 243 pistions and would like to reuse the snap rings from the stock pistions and not use the spiral locks that came with the new pistons. They are so much easier to install and seem to fit perfectly. Only thing is I see different is the old lockings are 0.050" thickness and the sprial lock rings are 0.070" thickness. Am I asking for trouble for this street use vehicle? .....Snakes

[Rich Kinsley]

I'd say yes you are looking for trouble. The spiral locks are meant to be with those pistons. They really aren't that hard to install. I made myself a little tool with a small wood dowel to press them in and mine were easy enough. They are harder to get out than put in.

[chirorod]

Rich Kinsley is right. That .020 difference would be a killer.

[Demon Daze]

Rich....Thanks for the guidance and suggestion of the wood dowel. By the time I got the spiral locks in the last two pistons I really got the hang it. Am confident they are installed correctly and won't come out....Snakes

[Rich Kinsley]

Glad you got it all together. You do become more proficient after some practice.