The sidewall ain't your concern... its the rod. If anything is going to break, it will be the rod.

Usually when these things smoke, the rings aren't the only things worn out. Suzuki upgraded the 16mm small end to 17mm and made the rod 4mm longer for the 250. The 230 rod is weak. When you get it apart, see if the wrist pin wiggles inside the rod. If it does, it will probably be smoking again within a year.

 

Alirght, so if the pin is loose I should get a new rod?

Also, completely unrelated, how beneficial would a new, aftermarket carb be?

 

Yeah if the pin is loose it won't hold the piston straight.

A new carb will lighten your wallet and give you plenty to do in your spare time lol

 

Okay guys, advise me. I don't want to do anything stupid. my current plans are:
Bore it out to .6 over
Replace the piston with a arias high compression
Replace the connecting rod (if wrist pin is bad)
Put in 250 cams
Put in a uni filter
Put in 250 front suspension

Does all that sound good?

 

I'm not thrilled with the kicking I have to do with the high compression piston in my motor, but that's just me being a wuss. lol

 

How much harder does it make it?

 

And how much of a difference does the high compression piston make?

 

Good question. I can't answer because I've never, kicked a stock motor over.

 

lol I can't answer this either, because I only had mine running for a few minutes before I stripped it to pieces for repairs.

 

Sounds good. Let me know if you can get an arias piston.