I see that Hypatec pistons now generally come standard with chrome top rings (Hastings) which are apparently a lot better for a road car (ie, longer to bed in, but better longevity). The 1360 Hypatecs I fitted to my 1275, which isn't in the car yet, came with standard cast rings.

So how much difference is there? Are the rings on my engine going to require replacing sooner rather than later because I don't have chrome top rings? Am I going to notice the difference?

the +.060" hypatecs I just bought came with cast hastings rings... as did the ones I had in it for the last 6 years - the bores were rooted, but the rings were still good

_________________
did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Anto the cast rings are OK, in fact GR prefers them as they bed in sooner.
I have chrome Hastings ones in the 1360, and one of GR's cast `Nippon' ringsets on the 1412's Hypatecs...

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

IIRC chrome rings are more resistend to dirt particles, maybe of advantage in dusty locations or if running without airfilter. but they may anneal from the heat of operation and loose radial tension

_________________
Rover 214 atm ....

The same thing happens with plain cast rings.
The 73mm Hypatecs in my 1412 stroker came out of GR's 1360 Elder 8 port dyno day motor- after 4 hours dyno running the cast top rings had lost 1/2 tension, so I got a Nippon ring set from him for my engine build.

Chrome rings are supposed to give reduced bore wear. Only downside is they do take longer to bed in.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.