how do i measure piston rings

[pinit67]

i am replaceing my head gasket and while trying to put jug over piston, i snapped the lower ring, do you measure the ring compressed or relaxed ? i did not pull the whole motor just the jugs and manifold but now it is going to be a bitch to get the jugs on seperatly and still be able to put the ex- manifold on and torque it the shop manuel only shows the procedure with the motor pulled am i going to have to pull the motor or is there a way to pull the carbs to access the manifold bolts any help would be greatly appreciated this ski is a 97 gtx with the 787 thanx:banghead:

 

[seadooya]

pull the carbs. Get a new ring for the size of piston, installed. Mount the jugs, but dont torq down yet, then mount the exhaust manifold so that, it aligns with jugs, snug up bolts, then torq down the cyl. bolts then exhaust bolts. Re-install carbs.