Where'd the term "still tight" come from ?

[Mike Van Veghten]

No matter the case, engine brand, or year ALL rings still need a breakin period.
But yes, the cylinders are honed to better suit the ring material used. Any "GOOD"...machine shop should ask that question when boring/honing a block for new pistons and rings.
As far back as 20 years ago, the shop I use, I was asked what pistons and rings were going to be used during the initial phone call.
Now the OEM guys are finally catching up. Just like cylinder head design. The OEM guys have jumped on the band wagon for well designed ports, not Briggs and Stratton, 90 ports..!

Some missed the question - The term is dealing with "tight" engine components. I still hear it today. My 11,700 rpm V-twin motorcycle engine for one. Some owners will make this comment... Pretty silly really. As commented on above, most of today manufacturing and machining, and materials are MUCH better than materials, manufacturing methods of even a few years ago.
No clearances changed during..."ring" breakin.

Mike

P.s. - Egge Machine's earlier days were not known for their "quality" parts. Way back, I measured a set of flathead pistons, yes they did have some "cam" machined into them, BUT IT WAS 90 DEGREES off of where it was supposed to be..! The owner sent them back, went to another brand.
Hopefully they've changed their ways.

[wittsend]

With a modern engine I'm sure there is some ring ..., can we say "minimal wear to conformity?" That said the process would have to be minimal and fast otherwise there would be CAT and O2 sensor damage that I doubt the manufacture wants to warranty. Just like EFI these new processes and materials are a positive side of smog laws. Hard to believe was can say that given the horrors of the 70's and 80's.

[Corley]

No shortage of "Still Tights":
1) Drunk uncle's hangover
2) Old man that won't cut loose with funds
3) Doesn't leak water or oil (not applicable to Studebakers)
4) Bolt that has been soaked for days in acetone/trans fluid, but still won't turn
5) Engine that cranks a bit harder than usual after a rebuild
6) Group that went to high school together and still gets together now and then
7) Wife say's-- door that I shaved down due to settling, rubbing frame, but still rubbing frame after I trimed
8) Reformed street w_lk_r
9) etc...

[RadioRoy]

And there are fewer design and manufacturing screw-ups. In this regard , remember the 1958 332 ci Fords which were assembled and sold with camshafts which, due to a manufacturing error, were shipped with camshafts which had not been heat-treated. They all fell apart at 30K miles. And Ford said: "Too f'ing bad, the warranty ran out at 12K."

Ford/Mercury also made a crankshaft with oil slinger grooves cut in the reverse orientation, so it would blow oil out of the engine instead of corralling it in. It was the subject of a Gus Wilson story in Popular Science in the late 60's - early 70's.