Just a small detail, you say you are having top hat liners and new rings, wouldn't this be a false economy, should have new pistons too, I would get more info if this has been recommended by the garage doing the work. And did you say that the engine was hydraulicly locked because of water in the bores, this could have damaged the con rods and small ends. Water wont compress so the pressure has to go somewhere.
Only made the engine turn slower on one occasion (the morning I took it in) All checked alright.
The motors only done 60k, (when these engines will do 200k +) so new pistons are overkill really, you have to draw the line somewhere when you consider the value and age of the car.