Total Seal
Total Seal is a Phoenix-based manufacturer of performance piston rings, founded in 1967, serving professional racing teams, engine builders, and enthusiasts worldwide with 17 patented product lines spanning bore sizes from 1.9 to 16.0 inches.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1967
- HeadquartersPhoenix, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Total Seal does
Total Seal is a Phoenix, Arizona-based performance piston ring manufacturer founded in 1967, serving professional race teams, engine builders, and enthusiast consumers worldwide. The company designs and produces 17 distinct piston ring product lines covering bore sizes from 1.9 to 16.0 inches, with proprietary technology including the patented Gapless ring (invented over 50 years ago), Total Conform radial notch design, Diamond Finish ultra-smooth surface technology, Gas Ported rings, and advanced coatings (PVD, C-33, C-56, CrN, gas nitriding). Materials span 440B stainless steel, M2 tool steel, martensitic ductile iron, and High Speed Steel. The firm supplies NASCAR, NHRA, Formula One, and IndyCar teams globally and has documented performance advantages including 50% less blow-by (Joe Gibbs Racing testing), 1,500+ race-mile durability in NASCAR, and 50% weight reduction versus typical rings. The patent-pending AP Plus Rings and value-priced TFX line are the most recent additions.
Total Seal's go-to-market is sales-led with a strong community-and-education layer. Distribution combines direct e-commerce (store.totalseal.com), a searchable web catalog by engine specifications, phone-based technical sales (1-800-874-2753), and a 'Find a Ring' consultation form. The technical sales team, led by Director of Technical Sales Keith Jones, provides personalized application support. Marketing is built on thought leadership: the Hidden Horsepower podcast, a YouTube channel, in-depth technical articles covering tribology and engine break-in, and active Facebook and Instagram presences position Total Seal as the domain authority in piston rings.
The company monetizes through one-time sales of piston rings, ringsets, supporting tools (honing kits, ring compressors, leak down testers, profilometers), and lubricants (assembly lube, Quick Seat, FOGGIT). Pricing is custom-quotation-based and not publicly disclosed, with a promotional 20% discount currently offered via the 'NewWeb' code. Customer segments span competition/racing (primary), diesel performance, vintage/restoration, industrial/specialty, marine, and aviation applications. Total Seal is privately held with no parent company, received undisclosed investment from The Firmament Group in 2019, and operates a single manufacturing facility in Phoenix covering CNC machining, milling, engineering, tool making, quality control, and shipping.
Total Seal firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Total Seal
- Legal name
- Total Seal
- Website
- https://totalseal.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1967
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Total Seal is a Phoenix-based manufacturer of performance piston rings, founded in 1967, serving professional racing teams, engine builders, and enthusiasts worldwide with 17 patented product lines spanning bore sizes from 1.9 to 16.0 inches.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Total Seal industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Performance Piston Rings
- NAICS
- Motor Vehicle Gasoline Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing (336310)
- SIC
- Gaskets, Packg & Sealg Devices & Rubber & Plastics Hose (3050)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Seals, Gaskets & Fluid Connectors (O-rings, packings, rotary seals, quick couplers) (IMAHAGAI)
Keywords
Where Total Seal is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Phoenix
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Total Seal business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Piston Ring Sales: Sale of piston rings and ringsets across multiple product lines including AP Steel, Diamond Finish, Gapless, Gas Ported, Total Conform, TNT, M2 Tool Steel, Diesel-specific, TFX, Ultra Thin, and Claimer rings. Sold in bore sizes from 1.9 to 16.0 inches, in production quantities from 30 to 3,000+ rings.
- Tools and Lubricants: Sale of engine building tools including abrasive honing kits, assembly lube, cross hatch angle tools, leak down testers, profilometers (Mitutoyo), power ring filers, ring compressors, ring pliers, Quick Seat dry film lubricant, FOGGIT fogging oil, and SPEEDiagnostix oil analysis kits.
- Measuring Equipment: Sale of precision measuring equipment including Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-220 roughness testers, SJ-210 upgrade kits with TraceBoss and HatchView software, and profilometer locating tools.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Custom quotation-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Total Seal product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Total Seal designs, manufactures, and sells performance piston rings for internal combustion engines, with bore sizes from 1.9 to 16.0 inches, serving professional race teams, engine builders, and specialty engine applications. The company offers 17 distinct piston ring product lines built on patented technologies including Gapless, Diamond Finish, Gas Ported, Total Conform, and AP Steel/AP Plus designs, alongside supporting engine-building tools, dry film lubricants (Quick Seat), assembly lubes, oil analysis kits (SPEEDiagnostix), and precision measuring equipment (Mitutoyo profilometers and surface roughness testers).
Product overview
Total Seal is a performance piston ring manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of 17 distinct ring product lines plus tools and lubricants. The core offering centers on patented Gapless technology alongside various specialized ring types including AP Steel/AP Plus (gas-ported steel), Diamond Finish (ultra-precise tolerances), Total Conform (radial notch conformable), TFX (value thin rings), and specialized lines for diesel, aviation, marine, and competition applications. Supporting products include oil analysis kits (SPEEDiagnostix), surface roughness testers (Mitutoyo), honing tools, and assembly lubricants. The product architecture ranges from premium racing rings (Diamond Finish, M2 Tool Steel) down to value-oriented options (TFX, Claimer, Gold Finish), serving applications from street rebuilds to Formula 1 and Top Fuel drag racing.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- AP Plus Rings Hybrid gas-ported steel piston ring sets combining AP ring technology with gas porting for increased ring seal, stronger pistons, and lasting vacuum. Features QSP face coating and 10lb tension oil rings. Designed for professional racing and high-performance engine builders seeking improved sealing without requiring gas-ported pistons.
- AP Steel Rings 440B stainless steel piston rings with superior strength, precise tolerances, and C33 face coating. Thinner, flatter, and lighter construction that conforms better to cylinder walls. Designed for engine builders seeking advanced steel ring technology with durability and conformability advantages over conventional ductile iron rings.
- Claimer Rings Cast moly racing piston rings developed specifically for racing classes with claiming rules. Features high quality cast moly top rings, Gapless 2nd, and Gold power low tension oil rings. Targeted at racing classes where engines may be claimed or inspected at any time.
- Diamond Finish Rings Premium piston rings with axial tolerances of +/- .000050 inches and optional PVD coatings. Custom axial thickness down to 0.6mm available, providing the smoothest surface finish for maximum sealing. Designed for high-end professional racing applications requiring precision and reduced leakage paths between piston ring and ring land.
- Diesel Rings Comprehensive diesel piston ring product line including Severe Duty Diesel Rings and HSS Diesel Rings for various diesel applications from OE rebuilds to competition. Covers Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L, Duramax 6.6L, Ford Powerstroke 6.4L to 7.3L, and other diesel engines for pulling, racing, and daily driver applications.
- Gapless Rings Patented piston ring technology pioneered by Total Seal over 50 years ago. Eliminates blow-by, increases horsepower and torque, provides better sealing and oil control, and cleaner engine oil. The foundational technology that established Total Seal as the 'Home Of The Gapless Piston Ring.'
- Gas Ported Rings Performance rings with strategically sized horizontal slots allowing combustion gas to enter behind the ring for gas-loading, providing improved ring-to-wall sealing without requiring gas-ported pistons. Designed for engine builders seeking improved sealing performance in conventional piston applications.
- Gold Finish Premium Rings Premium rings utilizing tighter tolerances, sharp-edge technology, and PVD coatings. Similar design and technology to Diamond-finish rings, designed for Saturday Night and Sportsman level racers seeking professional-grade ring technology at an accessible price point.
- HSS Diesel Rings 2.0mm Rectangular High Speed Steel top rings for diesel aftermarket high performance pistons. Features exclusive C-33 face coating for quick seating, low friction, and long life. Targeted at diesel aftermarket performance applications requiring durability under high cylinder pressures.
- M2 Tool Steel Rings Ultimate durability piston rings made from M2 tool steel for extreme environments like ADRL and NHRA PRO MOD racing. Available in Gapless or Conventional styles with optional C-69 PVD anti-friction face coating. Designed for the most demanding racing applications where ring failure is not an option.
- NDurance Oil Rings Expanded performance oil rings designed for turbo and high boost engines. Features gas nitriding steel heat treatment of expander for increased tension and performance under extreme conditions. Targeted at forced induction engine applications requiring high tension oil control.
- Severe Duty Diesel Rings High-performance diesel rings crafted from Martensitic Ductile Iron with CrN coating for OE rebuilds, towing, industrial apps, street performance, and competition up to 1000+ HP. Designed for diesel applications requiring durability and high-pressure sealing.
- Severe Duty Gas Ported Gapless Diesel Combines gas ported top rings with patented Gapless second rings for unparalleled diesel ring sealing performance, increasing horsepower, torque, and fuel mileage while reducing oil consumption. Targeted at severe duty diesel applications requiring maximum sealing performance.
- TFX Rings Value-priced thin piston rings using 440B stainless steel and proprietary C56 face coating. Available in 1.2mm/1.2mm/3mm and 1mm/1mm/2mm packages for domestic and import applications. Targeted at value-conscious engine builders seeking thin ring technology at accessible pricing.
- TNT Rings Centrifugally cast martensitic ductile iron rings engineered for extreme abuse from nitrous oxide, turbocharged, supercharged and high cylinder pressure applications. Features PVD coatings and 0.8mm availability. Targeted at high-boost and nitrous-assisted racing engines.
- Total Conform Rings Revolutionary radial notch design allowing ring to conform to cylinder wall for increased horsepower and torque while reducing blow-by. Features radiused notches eliminating stress risers. Patented design delivering 50% less blow-by in testing with Joe Gibbs Racing.
- Ultra Thin Rings Maximum efficiency ring packs featuring 0.9mm top rings with .120 inch radial depth for excellent bore conformability. Reduced stack height permits shorter compression height pistons. Designed for high-efficiency engine builds where reduced friction and weight are priorities.
- Tools and Lubricants Complete line of engine building and honing tools including Assembly Lube, Quick Seat dry film lubricant, FOGGIT Engine Fogging Oil, Leak Down Tester, Ring Compressors, Ring Pliers, Ring Squaring Tool, Power Ring Filer, Mitutoyo profilometers, abrasive honing kits, and SPEEDiagnostix oil analysis kits. Supporting products for professional engine builders and machine shops.
Quantifiable outcome
- 40-45% of engine friction comes from piston ring to cylinder wall interface
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Total Seal
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Total Seal technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
Total Seal partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Joe Gibbs RacingcoreJoe Gibbs Racing is a prominent NASCAR team that has collaborated with Total Seal on engine development. They tested Total Conform rings on an off-road racing engine, demonstrating 50% less blow-by. Total Seal provides piston ring technology expertise for racing applications.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Total Seal competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Total Seal social profiles
Digital presenceTotal Seal financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Total Seal leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Total Seal funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Total Seal M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Total Seal
What does Total Seal do?
Total Seal designs, manufactures, and sells performance piston rings for internal combustion engines, with bore sizes from 1.9 to 16.0 inches, serving professional race teams, engine builders, and specialty engine applications. The company offers 17 distinct piston ring product lines built on patented technologies including Gapless, Diamond Finish, Gas Ported, Total Conform, and AP Steel/AP Plus designs, alongside supporting engine-building tools, dry film lubricants (Quick Seat), assembly lubes, oil analysis kits (SPEEDiagnostix), and precision measuring equipment (Mitutoyo profilometers and surface roughness testers).
Is Total Seal a public or private company?
Total Seal is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Total Seal founded?
Total Seal was founded in 1967. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Total Seal based?
Total Seal is headquartered in Phoenix, United States, in the North America region.
How does Total Seal make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Piston Ring Sales are the primary driver. The others are tools and Lubricants and measuring Equipment.
Does Total Seal have an API?
No public API is recorded for Total Seal.
What industry is Total Seal in?
Total Seal's product category is Performance Piston Rings. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHAGAI, Seals, Gaskets & Fluid Connectors (O-rings, packings, rotary seals, quick couplers). Its NAICS code is 336310 and its SIC code is 3050.