Akerly-Childs Cylinder Block Components

About Akerly & Childs

For more than 50 years, Akerly & Childs has stood at the forefront of high-performance engine component manufacturing. Founded by racing legend Rocky Childs — who was inducted into the National Hot Rod Association Hall of Fame in 2008 — the Valencia, California company was built on a singular passion for speed and precision. Rocky teamed up with Ray Akerly to create a brand dedicated to supplying the best engine components on the market, and that commitment has never wavered.

What started with piston rings and bearings quickly grew into a comprehensive lineup of internal engine components and specialty tools, all engineered to survive the punishment of the world's most demanding racing environments. Whether the application is drag racing, circle track, tractor pulling, or marine and offshore racing, Akerly & Childs builds parts that help engines produce maximum horsepower under maximum stress.

Xtreme Piston Rings Built for the Limit

At the heart of the Akerly & Childs product line are their legendary Xtreme Engine Piston Rings — a category where the brand has earned the trust of elite engine builders around the world. These rings are engineered to minimize cylinder leakage, provide instant seating, control blow-by, and increase power output. To meet the demands of modern high-performance builds, Akerly & Childs offers compression rings in a wide range of materials — including cast iron, cast iron moly, ductile iron moly, high tensile ductile (HTD) moly, tool steel, and stainless steel — as well as multiple widths and configurations such as standard gap and file-fit sets. This breadth of options ensures builders can find the exact ring specification for their application, from a weekend bracket racer to a fuel-burning top-tier competitor.

Precision Tooling That Completes the Build

Akerly & Childs recognizes that even the finest piston ring is only as good as its installation, which is why the brand also manufactures a full range of Engine Piston Ring Compressors. The Xtreme ring compressor line is machined from aircraft-quality 6061-T6 heat-treated aluminum and then hard anodized for long-term durability. Each compressor features a step machined at the bottom to clear block O-rings during installation — a detail that reflects the brand's deep understanding of real-world race engine assembly. These tools are offered in bore-specific sizes so builders get a precise, slip-fit every time, eliminating the risk of ring damage during piston installation.

A Legacy Preferred by Top Engine Builders

Akerly & Childs also carries Clevite engine bearings to complement their piston ring lineup, along with assembly lubricants and ring grinders — making them a one-stop resource for the engine builder's bench. Decades of hands-on experience in competitive racing, combined with a relentless focus on quality, have made Akerly & Childs a trusted name from the garage to the starting line.