>> E << Piston And Connecting Rod Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Apply engine oil on the circumference of the piston, piston rings, and oil ring.
Arrange the piston ring and oil ring gaps (side rail and spacer) as shown in the illustration.

Fig 1: Identifying Piston Ring And Oil Ring Gap Arrangements
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
Rotate the crankshaft so that the crank pin is on the center of the cylinder bore.
Use suitable thread protectors on the connecting rod bolts before inserting the piston and connecting rod assembly into the cylinder block.
Care must be taken not to nick the crank pin.
Insert the piston and connecting rod assembly into the cylinder with the front mark on the piston crown pointing to the timing belt side.

Fig 2: Identifying Front Mark
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
Using a suitable piston ring compressor tool, install the piston and connecting rod assembly into the cylinder block.