Posted for "John W. Cox" <johnwcox@pacificnw.com>:

 As a wrench, I would ask you to clarify your mechanics/machinists intent
 with him.  He may have mis-spoke or you may have misunderstood.  Walter
 is correct for those fortunate to have a choked cylinder. Keep it...
 Volumetric efficiency is a valuable characteristic.  Now, gapless rings
 is another subject on M14P radials.
 
 Seek more opinions that you respect before proceeding with machining.
 
 John Cox