Originally posted by Epoch
Valve job for $1500? WTF... are they gonna replace your entire valvetrain?
I'd get a second opinion ASAP. Call up some honda specialists and see if they'd be willing to take a low cost or free look at what's going on. Mention that you're looking for a good new shop to take your car too.
Totally agree, for that price you can buy a ported/polished head with cams. My first thought was piston ring but without knowing how old the car is, what's done to it, etc. there's no use in trying guess. Definitely find a new Honda shop, get a comp./leak down done. Make sure that they say the same piston is the problem, then go from there.