i would check compression first before you start the job. you're probably on the right track as smoking on startup usually means valve seals are dying. it might be the mechanic doesn't realize you're doing rings as well. maybe he feels that tightening up the top end is going to suck oil past the rings and carbon things up on the top end, messing up your valve job. this is a legitimate concern. when you do a valve job, the valves seal better and there is increased vacuum on the intake stroke. if the rings are bad, you could pull oil past the rings, instead of pulling air/fuel from the intake. IMHO, i think the rings would have to be really bad tho'. i suppose the increased compression of doing rings and valves could put increased strain on the bearings but i would think it's a matter of degrees, and not significant. however,if you're re-ringing anyway, why not do bearings as well? you've got it all apart anyway. besides, it's only money! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />