On a 420A is it required to use a flex hone to hone the cylinder walls? It's the tool my chiltons requires but they're a PITA to find locally, can I use a standard hone and get the same end result?

Personally, I'd use a bottle brush-type hone. They're easier to use. Not sure what a "standard" hone is...

Either/or

As long as your crosshatch pattern is the proper angle for the required specs you'll be good to go.

I know my local advanced and napa stores sell honing tools for around 25-45 bucks. Again, both styles work fine. Dont let the ugliness of the bottle brush hone steer you away from it. Haha.

edit: My haynes focuses on the bottle brush hone. I want a chilton...just so i can compare/contrast the two.

Most engine builders I know suggest that the finish hone should always be done with a flex hone for amatuer/home builder. The shop I worked at used a solid style, but it was mounted on a mechanical apparatus with a dial expansion and continuous oil fed from a dedicated pump/resivoir. Basically something you don't have if you're asking this question.