side seals clearencing
 

hi,
i am about to assemble my motor. i purchased new side seals and i want your opinions in clearensing them.
the FSM suggest 0.002-0.0059.
should i kepp it closest i can to 0.002 or it is too small?

please kep in mind that i am installing NRS ceramics if that has something to do with.

thanks guys!!

fsm suggestion is just fine.

If you are using Adkins solid corner seals I would increase the bottom tolerance to a minimum of .003"
Barry

I prefer a slightly larger gap rather than too tight. I'll sacrifice a gap that is too large than a seal that gets bound into place because the clearance was too tight. Remember too that carbon will find its way into there over time as well. Just keep it under the higher measurement and you'll be fine, typically with range measurements shoot for the middle of the road.

since that measurement is basically the wear part of the engine. on an NA we go as tight as it can go without binding, which is tighter than .002, although not much. on a turbo, since it gets hotter, you could run a little more.

barrys point is a good one though, if you're using aftermarket seals you need to check ALL of the clearances, as things like corner to apex seals aren't as good as mazda's parts