Tapered Piston Ring Compressor

Tapered Piston Ring Compressor FAQ

How do you install a piston on a tapered ring compressor?

An easier way to install pistons is with a tapered ring compressor. Here, the ring compressor is machined from aluminum with a tapered internal shape. This allows the rings to compress gently as the piston is pressed (or tapped) into the cylinder bore.

How do ring compressors work?

Here, the ring compressor is machined from aluminum with a tapered internal shape. This allows the rings to compress gently as the piston is pressed (or tapped) into the cylinder bore. Some of the better quality examples have a positive grip on the outer surfaces that allows you to hold the compressor solidly as you work the piston into the bore.

What type of piston ring compressor should i buy?

The most common piston ring compressor you’ll find in a race shop is the tapered style. They work wonders during piston installation. Summit Racing offers a huge range of examples in an equally huge range of bore sizes. (Image/Summit Racing)

What are the downsides of a tapered ring compressor?

The downside to a tapered ring compressor is that you need a different compressor for each bore size you work with. Finally, Summit Racing offers a series of adjustable tapered ring compressors. These are essentially split tapered ring compressors with a large band clamp on the outside.