I've been trying to overhaul my Northstar engine for a while now...

In the first attempt, the shop that honed the block did so as though it were a Chevy--400 grit silicon carbide stone. The combination of fine grit, hard stones and REALLY hard cylinder liners left a very light hone pattern that doesn't retain any oil. Thus my chrome faced Total Seal rings won't seat and my engine goes through a quart of oil every 50 miles or so.

According to Total Seal, I need to have the block honed with a 280 grit aluminum oxide stone. They even gave me a part number. I will supply this stone to the shop if necessary. I will also get Ra and Rx surface finish specs from them and check the surface finish with a profilometer from the plant at which my dad works to be absolutely sure I don't go through this again.

However, the big hurdle is to find a shop that will work that closely with me. Does anyone know of such a shop ANYWHERE in Virginia? Or even in MD?

 

http://www.abacusracing.com/

Talk to Chuck at Abacus racing, they are the best machine shop in the area.