New rings

[CHP]

I am replacing the rings in my '87 3.2 litre. It has Nikasil cylinders. I have been told by one person to just replace the rings and don't hone the cylinders and told by another to hone the cylinders with a ball hone as you would do on any ring job. Which is right?

[Doug Zielke]

I believe it was John Walker, who suggested (here) the only correct hone for Nikasil, is a 'diamond' hone.

[Wayne 962]

Right - get a copy of the Engine Rebuild Book (www.101projects.com) - these questions are answered in there...

-Wayne

[Rot 911]

Wayne in your book, you recommend slightly roughing up the nikasil cylinder with a "grape hone" My cylinders still show the factory hone marks. Should I still rough them up with a grape hone? Are all grape hones the same. By the way CHP I think this hone is what you are calling a ball hone.