Rings are Total Seal(r), so I don't think I need to worry about the gaps lining up :) As for the slots in the pistons, the ones on the stock block are correct (on the intake side) the ones on the beast block are wrong (on the exhaust side). So, given that I've got Total Seal(r) rings, anyone know if I can jsut spin the piston/rod combo while their still in the block or not? Joshua