Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

98 LS1 Rod and Main bearing replacement - HELP!!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-19-2013, 11:30 AM
  #1  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
swandude805's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default 98 LS1 Rod and Main bearing replacement - HELP!!

Hey guys, doing an LS1 swap into my 69 chevelle. I tore the motor down to do a cam/timing/head/intake swap etc. Also replacing all gaskets. While i have it down this far and the oil pan off i was wondering if i should replace the Rod and Main Bearings?? If so, is there a thorough how to or would it be easy enough for me to do in my garage with the basic tools?? or am i better off leaving them alone if ive never done it before?? the engine has 70k miles on it.

Thanks!
Old 10-19-2013, 11:33 AM
  #2  
Super Hulk Smash
iTrader: (7)
 
JakeFusion's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Pace, FL
Posts: 11,255
Received 137 Likes on 114 Posts

Default

Basic tools = no.

You need some specific tools. And once you break the engine down, you really need to blueprint it upon reassembly. Those tools are costly to accurately measure your bearing clearances and tolerances. If the bearings are fine (and I suspect they are at 70k miles) then you're not really fixing anything. Replace bearings if they need to be replaced or you need a difference size because you ground the crank journals down or resized the rods.
Old 10-19-2013, 12:27 PM
  #3  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
swandude805's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by JakeFusion™
Basic tools = no.

You need some specific tools. And once you break the engine down, you really need to blueprint it upon reassembly. Those tools are costly to accurately measure your bearing clearances and tolerances. If the bearings are fine (and I suspect they are at 70k miles) then you're not really fixing anything. Replace bearings if they need to be replaced or you need a difference size because you ground the crank journals down or resized the rods.
ok, but i havent looked. should i unbolt them and look at them?? will it be a simple bolt back up and go? or once i take it apart am i gettin into a sticky situation?? so are you sayin just assume theyre fine and not touch them?

any other opinions out there?
Old 10-19-2013, 04:56 PM
  #4  
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (18)
 
LS1MCSS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Dover, Arkansas
Posts: 3,831
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts

Default

With 70K, leave the bottom end alone. No reason to even think about taking it apart if it didn't have problems when you got it.
Old 10-20-2013, 11:44 AM
  #5  
TECH Fanatic
 
2000PewterT/A's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by swandude805
ok, but i havent looked. should i unbolt them and look at them?? will it be a simple bolt back up and go? or once i take it apart am i gettin into a sticky situation?? so are you sayin just assume theyre fine and not touch them?

any other opinions out there?
No, I would leave it, with 70k miles the bottom end is still fresh.
Old 10-22-2013, 02:33 PM
  #6  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (8)
 
chrisfrost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: phx the cactus patch
Posts: 1,095
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 13 Posts

Default

If there was any significant rod bearing damage You would have had a knocking sound that would have gotten worse very quickly and within a week of first hearing it if You kept driving it it would have broken a rod . If You've done alot of hard take offs and generally driving it hard then the mainscould be worn ,,,,if They are when accelerating fairly hard somewhere between 2500-3500rpm's You can hear worn mains. They kinda sound like maybe a wheel bearing ,,,,,,,kind of a medium to high pitched moaning that happens like described earlier.



Quick Reply: 98 LS1 Rod and Main bearing replacement - HELP!!



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:18 PM.