Hey guys! Haven't posted much on here but had a few questions regarding the rebuilding of my engine. I've build plenty of iron sleeved engines but never a FRM lined engine. My car is an 04 and the engine has about 100k on it and its starting to burn a significant amount of oil so I was thinking of rebuilding it.
My main question is regarding honing prior to putting in a fresh set of rings. Is it necessary with FRM? Being that the sleeves are nearly a mirror finish when new as far as I have read it made me think that it may not be necessary. Can anyone with direct experience comment please? I know it is difficult to find a reliable machine shop to do so so this may be a major factor as to whether I replace the bottom end or just rebuild assuming the bores are still in nice enough shape. Thanks!

 

A friend of mine just re-ringed his engine with similar or higher mileage when he had some bottom end bearing damage, he didn't touch the cylinder hone. He says the engine has never run stronger and his compression numbers are perfect. One owner is a very small sample but it worked well for him. If it was me I'd give it a shot, it certainly can't hurt.

 

I figured it wouldnt hurt being that the FRM is typically a near mirror finish when new. But its typically different in a steel sleeved block, the honing helps seat and lubricate the rings. There's a good chance Ill be doing it anyway and I intend to speak to Billman prior to get his input anyway. Just wanted to make sure my thoughts werent at fault.

 

I'm hoping mine doesnt have any wall damage. I'm pretty sure its just due to fairly high mileage. I was unaware honda sold a hone for the block, Ill have to look into that thanks. I fully intend to use all oem parts unless I have to go larger on the bore in which case I may bump the compression up a little bit. I wont be opening the block for atleast another month or two as im away for school, just looking to get some insight first. Ill keep that shop in mind

 

Why don't you try to clean up the rings first before replacing FRM liners? Auto-Rx does a nice, safe job in this regard.