Paegelow

Hey guys,

I'm working on fixing up a B18A1. Nothing too crazy, just new rings and top end stuff. Anyway, we honed the cylinders with a flex-hone, and now I'm working on getting the rings figured out.

I got a set of 81.00 Hastings rings. However, the end gaps one the new Hastings rings are all a little too big (like 0.030" for the top ring). The service limit is 0.028" I think. The old rings that I took out were a little tighter, but still getting near the service limit (I think they were more like 0.024").

So my question, I guess, is what are my options here? I don't think I should use these Hastings rings because the gaps are obviously too big. Are OEM rings from Honda any tighter? Or do I need to go have my cylinders bored to 81.5mm? If I have them bored out, I would definitely need new pistons, right? In that case, what are some good options? I've seen those RS Machines pistons for like $160 with rings, which isn't much more than the rings themselves...

Again, I'm not trying to do a crazy high performance build or anything, I just want to put this engine back together and have it work reliably. Thanks!!!

4g hatch

i would have a machine shop check the bores for you. if they are within the service limit,those ring gaps should be fine,especially if your just looking for a daily driver.
if there not within the service limit,its not gonna matter what the gaps are

Paegelow

Ok, I think I will do that.

Now, let's say I end up having to bore the cylinders to 81.5mm. I'm thinking I'd get a set of those RS Machine pistons that come with rings and wrist pins. I can reuse my stock connecting rods with those, right? Anyone see anything wrong with this plan?

Also, about how much does it cost (in general) to have a block bored and honed?

hondamn1320

Yes, you can use your stock rods with RS pistons.

Prices vary by location. I had my block bored for $15 per cylinder, any size. That was at my local Burton. Not sure if there are any in your area.

Paegelow

Oh ok, that's cheaper than I expected! I will have to call around here and find a place to do it.

So I guess my plan now is to do the RS Machine pistons at 81.5. That ought to be way better than just half assing it and throwing my old pistons back in with out of spec ring gaps!

Now I just need to check my crank and rod bearings and see if I need to get new ones or not... I'm figuring this build out bit by bit!