ludebeginnings

I have a 1993 VTEC and am in the process of rebuilding the motor. I utilized the info off of the crank, block, and rods to find the right combo of colors. two questions:

1. I used a Helms for 1995, I'm assuming that the matrix for determining the bearings would be the same as a 1993 since they are the same engines. Please someone confirm or negate this.

2. My rods had an 'H' above the '2' that was imprinted in the side & the crank had 7-21 and some other numbers written in what appeared to be marker on the end of it. I skimmed the helms and couldn't find reference to the 'H'. Anyone have any input on this, let me know.

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71dsp

If I were you, I'd still plastigauge the bearings just to make sure the clearances are correct. It takes very little time, and there's no sense in tearing up your bottom end just to save a little time or money.

Preyluder

Plastigauge is good, but it only measures ONE little area on the bearing surface. It could be egg shaped on another spot and you wouldn't know it. I say, grab a micrometer, THEN measure clearances, THEN use plastigauge, just for secondary insurance.

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marcucci

It is generally safe to "freshen up" a block using the same color bearings that came out- assuming no massive or irregular wear. As recommended, though, I would still mic and plastigauge everything to be safe. It's pretty painless with the engine already apart.

Don't know what the H and other designators mean on the rods, sorry. I don't think they have any value, at least, not outside of Honda. They probably pertain to who did the assembly on the line.

The bearing matrix should be the same from year to year. Note, though, that the crank journal size changed starting in 98, so 98+ and 97 and earlier are NOT compatible.