Piston Ring Set, 85.5mm, 2 X 2 x 5, for Aircooled VW

OVERVIEW

When it comes to restoring the heart of your air-cooled engine, nothing is more critical than the seal between your combustion chamber and the crankcase. This Grant Piston Ring Set for 85.5mm pistons is the industry standard for 1600cc Volkswagen engines, providing the precision and durability required to bring back lost compression and eliminate excessive oil consumption. Whether you are performing a top-end refresh or a complete long-block overhaul, these rings are engineered to withstand the unique thermal demands of an air-cooled environment. Grant has been a trusted name in the VW community for decades, and this specific 2mm x 2mm x 5mm configuration ensures a perfect fit for standard 1600cc pistons, providing the consistent tension needed to scrape oil effectively and seal power where it belongs.

At Appletree Automotive, we understand that a "standard" build still deserves high-performance reliability. These rings aren''t just replacements; they are an upgrade in manufacturing consistency compared to generic alternatives. By utilizing high-grade materials that facilitate a quick seating process, these rings help reduce the "break-in" period while ensuring a long service life for your cylinders. If you''ve noticed blue smoke from your tailpipe or a drop in your leak-down test results, this 85.5mm ring set is the definitive solution for your Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 engine. Don''t settle for subpar sealing when you can trust the proven track record of Grant rings to keep your Beetle, Ghia, or Bus running cool and strong for thousands of miles to come.

FITMENT

This piston ring set is designed for standard 85.5mm pistons (1600cc) used in the following air-cooled Volkswagen models:

• VW Beetle: 1971-1977 (Sedan & Convertible)
• VW Super Beetle: 1971-1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1971-1974
• VW Bus / Type 2: 1971 (1600cc Dual Port models)
• VW Thing / Type 181: 1973-1974
• VW Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): 1966-1973 (When equipped with 1600cc 85.5mm pistons)

SPECS

Technical specifications for the Grant G1259 piston ring set:

• Piston Diameter: 85.5mm (Standard 1600cc Bore)
• Top Compression Ring: 2.0mm Thickness
• Second Compression Ring: 2.0mm Thickness
• Oil Control Ring: 5.0mm Thickness
• OEM Reference: 311-198-169A
• Material: High-Durability Cast Iron Alloy
• Quantity: Complete set for 4 Pistons (Total of 12 rings)
• Brand: Grant Piston Rings

PRO TIPS

1. Honing is Non-Negotiable

Never install new piston rings into a glazed cylinder. If you can see a "mirror finish" on your cylinder walls, the new rings will never seat properly, leading to permanent oil burning and blow-by. Use a flexible ball hone (dingleberry hone) or a stone hone to create a fresh 45-degree crosshatch pattern. This texture allows a microscopic amount of oil to hang on the cylinder wall, which lubricates the rings during the critical first few minutes of operation and allows the metal surfaces to "mate" correctly. Clean the cylinders thoroughly with hot soapy water and a white lint-free cloth after honing until no grey residue remains.

2. Verify Your Ring End Gap

Even though these are "standard" 85.5mm rings, you must always check the ring end gap before installation. Place each ring individually into its respective cylinder about one inch down from the top (use a piston to push it down so it stays square). Use a feeler gauge to measure the gap. For a standard air-cooled 1600cc street engine, you generally want to see .012" to .018" on the top rings. If the gap is too tight, the ring ends can touch as they expand from heat, causing catastrophic engine failure. If they are slightly wide, it''s usually acceptable for a street car, but always consult your shop manual for the exact tolerances of your specific brand of pistons.

3. Proper Ring Clocking and Break-In

When installing the rings onto the piston, ensure the gaps are staggered (clocked) so they do not line up. A common practice is the 120-degree method, where the gaps of the top, middle, and oil rings are spaced evenly around the piston circumference. This prevents combustion gases from having a direct "path" to the crankcase. Additionally, for the first start-up, use a high-quality conventional break-in oil with high ZDDP (zinc) content. Avoid synthetic oils for the first 500 to 1,000 miles, as they are too "slippery" and can prevent the rings from seating against the cylinder walls, which can lead to glazed cylinders and a poorly performing engine.