There is some very interesting ring technology available today. While good ol chrome faced rings provide all the life you are ever likely to need, there are alternatives that may be better. TiN coated rings show promise in some applications, as do moly faced rings.
For instance, a setup that is unlikely to ever wear out is Nikasil bore with chrome faced rings. Yet, this can be trouble for diesel engines with sulfur in the fuels, as the sulfur tends to break down the Nikasil coating. The new ULSD fuels should eliminate this problem. Antoher great point is that Nikasil and Chrome tends to break in very rapidly.
Cast iron rings, like the ones the Listeroids come with are the shortest life ring made, there is no lower quality available. Yet they live for many hours in a Listeroid. In fact, it may be a good thing, as the engine needs carbon removal at set intervals anyway.
The trick would be to have a long life ring and bore combo, coupled with a fuel that burns clean and an oil that prevents ring land deposits and the subsequent ring sticking.
Chris
