Align honing?

[dmention7]

Hoping to get some feedback from some folks more experienced at building motors than I am... Barring any obvious pre-existing problems, just how important is align honing the main caps on a relatively modest build? I'm trying to walk the line between doing it right, and keeping costs reasonable.

In my case, I'd be using the original crank and main caps, but upgrading to ARP main fasteners as long as I've got the thing apart. Most of the info I've come across is in regards to performance v8 builds, but the general sense I'm getting is that if I torque down the main studs and the crank is free-spinning, I'm going to be alright. Worst case being accelerated wear of the main bearings.

On the other hand, I'm already going to be having the block bored to .020" over, so maybe it would be worth the $150 or so to just have it done...?

 

[niterydr]

If you are changing the fastener style and strength for the mains, I recommend align honing. The initial intent of align honing is to make sure everything is "trued" up and to prevent wearing of main bearings unevenly. Changing the mounting from a bolt to a stud style and changing the tensile strength and clamped force, you are in a great position to pull things out of round. Honing/boring the main caps will help true it up and really isn't that expensive, typically $100 or so for most machine shops (or less) if memory serves correct.
Another tip, make sure that the ARP bolts are not a smaller diameter than the stock stuff (very common). If it is, you may need to "pin" the caps, depending upon how the cap/girdle design is, to avoid them walking around the new found clearances between the cap interior sidewall and the side of the ARP stud.

Let me know if you have further questions.

 

[dmention7]

Thanks for the info Josh. Makes sense regarding changing fastener style. I hadn't thought to check the bolt diameter but i do remember reading that they often neck down after the threading... I guess I'll have to watch for that.

Oh and on the subject, anyone have any suggestions on machine shops? I was going to default to MAP but I'd like to check around in case lead time or anything is an issue? Seems like everything google throws at me is a v8 shop, and I would prefer to go someplace that has at least a little experience on these silly little japanese 4-bangers.... haha

 

[niterydr]

Map, HiTech (John LaCroix works there), D & G (Doug and Guy) Motors in Hopkins area are all great options.

 

[JohnnyT]

Full Blown in AV or RS in B'ville are also great options.

 

[niterydr]

Full Blown in AV or RS in B'ville are also great options.

I wasn't sure if they had machine shops on site.

 

[JohnnyT]

I wasn't sure if they had machine shops on site.

I'm pretty sure Full Blown does, but I'm not positive on RS.

 

[dmention7]

Haven't called RS, but from their website I didn't get the impression that they did machine work. Oh well, you guys have given me enough suggestions to keep me busy.