And when it does happen, what usually goes first, the rings or the seals? Or is it something else?

 

knock?

detonation? if u mean detonation you very quickly loose your apex seals i belive

 

OH YES knock is very available in these engines... If your going buy the stock sensor, then i wouldnt worry much about it, those are crap. Knock is detonation, it takes time as with any engine to kill it, but Apex seal and even the rotors can get a lot of damage...

 

For what it's worth detonation isn't usually possible in an N/A and when it does happen, overall cylinder pressure is low enough that it's usually non-fatal.

Turbos on the other hand... I've heard of inaudible knock causing engines to blow.

 

http://fc3s-pro.com/TECH/FAQ/deton.htm


-Ted