In the boring process, specialized machinery takes out the damaged parts of the cylinder walls, then buffs the walls smooth, allowing the piston to proceed with minimal friction. Minimizing the friction produces maximum compression and horsepower. Engine cylinder boring is a method used to fix damaged and excessively worn cylinders in engine blocks. When performed correctly, the boring process restores engine blocks to their original condition, including restoring the horsepower and compression.
The biggest advantage to cylinder boring is the cost-saving factor; the process costs much less than replacing the engine or powerhead, and the results are usually comparable. The process itself uses a sharp carbide cutting bit. With a standard bore, the boring process generally takes three to five passes, provided the damaged material in the cylinder is not excessive.
When arriving at a service shop, customers should take care to ask about the tools the shop uses. If the shop uses only a honing tool, then it cannot perform the job properly, and the customer should take his business instead to a shop that uses a boring bar. While honing tools alone often damage the cylinder, boring bars accurately bore the cylinder to the specified clearance while protecting the integrity of the cylinder.