So... After the incident of incredible stupidity on my part, I took the motor back out last weekend and got it tore down. I ended up ordering another set of rings, and gave it a quick hone with a 4" 320 grit ball hone (about 25 strokes). I washed the block out with Purple Power, Dawn, and hot water, sprayed it down with WD-40, and started putting it back together. I got the motor assembled thursday, after working on it a few hours a day from sunday on, and got it back in yesterday. Today I got the trans hung, exhaust up, everything wired up etc, held my breath, and hit the key. She fired right up! No oil smoke, no oil leaks, no coolant leaks, everything looks tight, and she seems to be running very smooth. I drove it about 5 miles, got it good and warm, and shut it off for the night. I figure tomorrow I will go and give her a good workout and get those rings seated in good. Here's a prayer that I don't have to tear into that bitch again anytime soon.
