Sr20det rebuild piston ring options

[carnagexxxx]

S14 SR20DET
Stock

Details:
I am rebuilding my motor. I have built a few motors in the past and have confidence working with SR's. After a bit of research, I come to find that 1998 200sx SE 2.0L Piston rings are the same as the SR20DET. This has been verified through multiple sources (including but not limited to OEM Nissan parts dealers). The part number 12033-53j20 replaces a known, old SR20DET piston ring part number of 12033-53j00.

I do plan on purchasing an OEM Nissan S14 gasket kit, Cosworth Head Gasket, and OEM Nissan main and rod bearings.

Setup is mostly factory aside from 740cc HKS injectors, Forced Performance Big 28 turbo with HKS wastegate, and a JWT ecu. Boost will be around 15-17psi. Everything else is factory.

Problem:
A set of OEM piston rings is an average of $180 for a set. After digging around for USDM parts that match, the 1998 200sx seems to be a good place to start. If I were rebuilding a motor for the SR20DE (non-turbo) 200sx using OEM Nissan parts, they would be the same as the OEM replacement SR20DET rings.

Question:
Is there a difference in an OEM Nissan ring set versus a set from Enginetech? Rock Auto has plenty of parts for the 200sx. Although I do not want to cheap-out any anything, I also don't want to pay $150 more if the Enginetech rings are made of similar materials and will hold up the same.

[Kingtal0n]

I would use OEM rings

the most important part of the engine, dont cheap out

[Jbma327]

You pay for what you get. For automotive parts you can't beat the quality in Japan made parts. It it not risking all that work to save $100. I would go with OEM too.

Before ordering you might want to have the machine shop check the cylinder walls. They may be oval due to wear or have scar that may require you to go oversize.

[pacotaco345]

You can reach out to any number of reputable ring manufacturers stateside and have them build you a good ringpack. Hastings, Total Seal, etc... Lots of options will be cheaper and better than OEM but you'll need to gap them yourself. And your pistons will likely shatter before your rings do.