If I had an engine apart, particularly a 1.8 and especially one whose oil drinking habits were unknown, I would go for new piston rings now rather than button it up and regret it later.

 

If you are removing pistons Hone the bores (to clean any carbon and take the shiny surface off the bores. New crank key (woodruff key) and oil seals front and rear.Clean the oil pickup pipe particularily the mesh pickup piece.You would have to check the clutch while its out.And waterpump at least

 

Cheers for the advice guys, my engine doesn't guzzle oil so think I'll check the compression and then make a call on the piston rings.

Any take on oil pump? I'd rather not as they're pretty expensive but I'm not sure what the lifespan is and would rather not have to take the bottom end apart again anytime soon.

 

I would be concerned at what's causing the wobble, it's a design issue on SNC but never heard of it on 1.8?