The "T" style gauges will tell you what the bore diameter is, but it's practically useless for measuring out-of-round and taper. The advantage of the dial bore gauge is that you can rotate the tool and read the gauge while you're doing it. The "T" tool has to be removed and miked, then put back in, etc. I bought a dial bore gauge from Summit a couple of years ago, and it works pretty good. They list one now for $100 that's good for 0.0005", and that's only a bit more than a set of "T" gauges will cost.

On the other hand, if the block is out of the car, taking it to the machine shop may be the cheapest and best way to do it. Dan

By Jdupre (Jdupre) (24.5.152.32) on Thursday, March 03, 2005 - 07:00 pm:

Hey gearheads,

I need to re-ring one of my Honda engines. Never done it before. I'm wondering what type of bore gauge I need to do the measurements.

I already have a good set of outside micrometers, so I was wondering if I cound get away with using the inexpensive indicator-less "T" style bore gauges (i.e the kind you put in the bore, lock, remove, and then measure with a outside micrometer.)

Or do I have to get the kind that has the indicator built in so you can make the reading while the tool is still in the bore?

Thanks,

- Joe