What does having your block bored do to the performance of the motor? And what are some smart things to look for when taking the block to the machine shop for work. I do not want to get taken because I didn't know what ask for and to look for when dealing with machining guys. I don't want to get ripped off!

 

Getting your cylinders bored does almost nothing for performance. It is done to get the cylindricity of the cylinder back in spec. If your cylinders only need honing, and ridge reaming to clean them up, do that. You will save money, and if you ever need to rebuild again, you have enough material left in your block.
Alot of guys go with the biggest overbore right away. On a small block Ford, you can go up to .040" over safely, but the standard sizes are generally .010", .020", and .030" over.

 

If there was a big enough ridge that you couldn't get the pistons out, it probably needs boring. You can hone and re-ring, but it won't last like a real boring job if the cylinders have alot of wear. In my part of the country, I've never run across a machinist that has tried to "rip me off". Plus, you can ask around in the car guy circles-they will know who's best in your area.