Improved multi-section slide valves for internal combustion engines for improved aspiration comprise spaced apart, continuously pressurized, annular oil confinement zones that are defined between select groups of arrays of piston rings. The oil confinement zones are axially spaced along the length of the slide valve and continuously pressured by oil flow passageways communicating between spaced apart arrays of piston rings. During slide valve movement these pressurized oil confinement zones tend to stabilize the slide valve, preventing metal-to-metal contact such as that associated with rocking, tipping, chafing or scrubbing.