Engine Building 101: How to Install Spirolox Retaining Rings (Video)

Spirolox — something referred to as wristpin clips or spiral retaining rings — are used to secure pistons and wrist pins to connecting rods.

Using Spirolox on each side of the wrist pins is a popular method on high performance and racing engines.

Unfortunately, installing Spirolox can be a challenge — at least initially.

Spirolox have sharp edges, and it can be time consuming, and even painful, to install them properly without the right approach.

In today’s video, our friends and partners at Summit Racing will walk you through the process for installing spiral retaining rings and share some helpful tips and tricks.

Spriolox retaining rings are one of the most effective (and cost-effective) ways to keep your wrist pins in place.

For this Gen. III LS engine build, Summit Racing used Summit Pro LS pistons, which utilize the Gen. IV’s full floating pin design.

That’s why they opted for a double Spirolox to compete the piston and rod assembly. Using a rod vise, along with the small screwdriver, they are able to position the Spirolox retaining rings into place.

However, there are a few techniques to make the job just a little bit easier. Watch the video to learn how.