[MrTibbs]

Thanks,

Honda - I've read your excellent thread a few times - it's what inspired me to re-build this engine really. I think I'll leave the engine with the rings that are on there and see how it goes. I'm planning to try to do a reasonable job, but don't want to spend a fortune on rebuilding it and as it's my first attempt might try a more straightforward refresh job first.

It's certainly a lot easier to get at the engine with it out of the car - I'm thinking that a clutch job may well be easier just taking the engine out.

cjpacitto - I'll give them a good flush to make sure there's nothing trapped in them. I think it might be the flash that's making some pretty cruddy oil look like rust but will give it a closer look when I'm next at my garage.

Will keep you all posted on progress, and ask a lot more questions I'm sure.

I need to check out where I can get powdercoating done round here - I'm a bit tight for cash at the moment as getting married in a few months too.

Mike