97 ITR - Rebuild

[itr97-356]

I have a 97 ITR #356. I have been using it as my daily driver for over 10 years.
After 160k the original manifold cracked plus it was using a quart per K.
Time for a rebuild.
I discussed it with my local, honda trained, mechanic and we decided to get the head rebuilt and get new OEM pistons, rings, rods, gaskets etc. Also I bought a JDM 4-1 header. We sent the head off to a local machine shop and on return assembled the car.

The car ran great but.... it was still burning oil (quart per K or less).
We then looked inside the chambers with a snapon camera on a stalk. All carboned up after 5K.

Off with the head again. the exhaust valves were loose. Started negotiating with the machine shop.
I decided that I did not trust them to redo it properly so bit the bullet and bought a brand new OEM complete top end.

Reassembled. Car ran even greater but....OH No.... the car is still burning oil.
My mechanic had measured the bores but only at 90 degrees.
He now suggests that the bores may be oval and that we need to either, re-bore the block and use over size pistons, or, buy a OEM block ($2.1K).

First, can anyone tell me of a really good machine shop. I live in the Monterey Bay Area, CA, but there's always UPS.

Second any advice on re-bores, and re-bores versus new much appreciated. Also how much should it cost?

Thanks in advance.

[coolhandluke]

Pictures?

I'm sorry, but I don't any shops off the top of my head. Let me see what I can find online.

[itrsteez]

Any competent machine shop should be able to bore your block to spec for .25 oversized pistons.

[itr97-356]

Any competent machine shop should be able to bore your block to spec for .25 oversized pistons.

"competent" being the key part to your reply.

Thanks for the advice on .25 oversize pistons.