Just wanted to get some info, I just got my head back from the shop along with all new gaskets, pistons, rings, bearings, etc. Before I put them in, I should ball hone each cylinder. Some people are like DON'T do it yourself, others say yeah just drill in and out about 3 times per cylinder. They seem in perfect condition, just should get some cross hatching. I don't want to skimp out on this and really don't feel like taking out the block. Anyone hone their own cylinders with the block still in their car?

 

I'm starting to think, nobody has

 

you mean taking out the internals with the block still in.i think my neck would cramp out before i finished

 

Yes you can do it, it's fine. You just need to "break the glaze" on the walls. The point of this is to make a rough surface the new rings will sort of file down on, so they will seat properly. You can do it in-car, but don't use a ball hone, get a 3 stone, they're cheap from sears or Napa. Make sure you use oil or something and clean it up well.

 

I've done both (self hone and machine shop) and the machine shop hone is THE way to go. I used the three stone (although the helms says to use a ball hone) and it turned out ok. But when I saw the hone and deck job from the machine shop, I'll never do it by hand again....unless it's some ghetto build. The self hone will probably work fine, but the machine hone will probably be a little better.