How required is it to hone your cylinder walls in you put new rings in?

I'm putting new mains/rod/thrust washers, pistons and rings in my bottem end(22RTE). But I'm having a hell of a time tracking down a cylinder honing tool (either a bottle brush or the stone-tree thing). I've removed the ridges for the cylinders already, and I'd like to hone the cylinders. But if I can't find the tool, will it blow up in my face?

I had a machine shop suggest that I could just throw new rings in no problem, but that wasn't taking into accound new pistons.

 

nmo way i'd put that thing back together without honing.it'll help the rings seat and make for a better seal.even if ya gotta take it to a machine shop to get it done.

 

I agree. Unless you want an oil burner or cylinders putting out varied amounts of compresion, it is crucial to deglaze the cylinders. New rings won't seal on the old crappy glaze that develops from fuel, friction from metal on metal, oil and heat. If you can't find a flex-all hone anywhere in Calgary phone up Pro-Stock in Edmonton and they can probably order you one. I used to work there and I'm pretty sure they can help you out.

 

Also any machine shop tells you that you can throw in rings without degalzing I wouldn't take anything to. That isn't very good advise. New pistons or not.

 

I was trying to find one in a loan/rent a tool program...but no dice.

I ended up just saying screw it, and went to NAPA and bought some new stuff. Got the stone-tree thingy honer good 2.7 -> 7" cylinders with replacable stones, and it set me back about $35. Considering I was told $24/cylinder by a reputable machine shop in town...not bad. Good thing it's replacable stones as I busted a stone on the last cylinder.

So once I finish scrapping the stupid gasket residue off the front on the block, I can throw everything back together and be happy!