Okay, I'll rephrase. I tried to say that the term 'Porting' is overused and generally not true in an import application. I don't know of anyone who actually ports Honda heads. In general, you're in there removing casting flash and smoothing stuff out, changing angles, etc.

The problem is that "most" (Generalizing) domestic heads aren't made with the same amount of precision and expertise as "most" import heads. Honda in particular has been in the business of making cheap, lean burning, efficient engines almost since its conception. That was their marketing advantage over domestic manufacturers and sole territory for probably 25 years.

In that same time period, domestic car companies mainly ignored these issues. It took the oil crunch of the 80s to convince them that they needed to change their ways, and they've been playing catchup ever since.

So on domestic heads, particular older domestic heads with some gentle (or not so gentle) massaging and a standard 30-45-75 3 angle job, you can squeeze out some power even if you have no idea what you are doing. This created a trend, and some attitudes of 'these are the best ports/angles/way to do this' and unfortunately when applied to an import head, bad stuff happens.

These machine shop P&Pers are IMHO, in the majority of shops offering port and polish services. Quite frankly, I do not think I would let anyplace that didn't specialize in Honda heads lay a finger on my head.


I agree that good gains can be achieved via a quality P&P job, but even from the best in the industry we only see around a 10% flow gain.

10% gain for around a thousand dollars is pretty steep. Not to mention shipping costs and downtime.

I mean, that's half the price of these:



My latest project. Now that winter break is here I'll finally have time to get her running.