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are shortblock bearings re-useable?

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Old Apr 21, 2009 | 11:23 PM
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Default are shortblock bearings re-useable?

i'm about to pull apart my ls6 for a quick hone and re-ring job. blown #7 ring.
i'd like to re-ring all 8 while i'm at it, and gap all of them a little bigger.

i already pulled #7 out to see the ring damage.. fortunately the cylinder wall is still perfect.



1.) Can i pull the rods and mains apart to clean the block and re-use the same bearings, putting it back together since the engine was good and has under 50k?
Some say never re-use a bearing. Others say you can. ?

2.) Should i just order a set of std. repacement rod/main bearings and slap them in... and clearances should be within spec when i mic the bearing clearance?

3.)Adding ARP main studs/rod bolts?
I've read that since an lsx has a cracked beam rod design you can replace the rod bolts and be good without having to resize the rod, like on an older sbc/bbc?



thanks.

Last edited by Ryan72; Apr 21, 2009 at 11:29 PM.
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Old Apr 21, 2009 | 11:48 PM
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Yes you can. A little scotch brite and some carb cleaner and they will be good as new!
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Old Apr 22, 2009 | 11:43 AM
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1 reply... weak sauce.


+1 for re-using low mileage bearings...

anyone else?
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Old Apr 22, 2009 | 11:48 AM
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i would just replace the bearings.
peace of mind is always great.
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Old Apr 22, 2009 | 12:14 PM
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+1 for re-ring, might as well since bearings are cheap and youre allready in there...good for piece of mind + it'd be more of a paid to take out after running and having to replace them anyways.
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Old Apr 22, 2009 | 07:41 PM
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you can reuse them but why would you? I wouldn't even think of it unless the engine was just built..i mean like 50 miles ago. If you have it apart just replace them and be done with it.
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Old Apr 22, 2009 | 09:37 PM
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Originally Posted by theblur98ss
you can reuse them but why would you? I wouldn't even think of it unless the engine was just built..i mean like 50 miles ago. If you have it apart just replace them and be done with it.
Agreed. As cheap as they are, it would be dumb not to.
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Old Apr 22, 2009 | 11:33 PM
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Mains and rods replace, leave the cam bearings. That will save some time and money from the machine shop. Unless you install them yourself
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Old Apr 23, 2009 | 12:04 AM
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I just started a new thread trying to find an answer to this question...

Are standard sized rod and main bearings a selective fit, like older engines?

not sure if this pertains to ls1s, but I've read:

GM likes to use what is called a selective fit bearing and they vary in size anywhere from .0001"-.0009"
The only thing you could do at that point is to have the crank reground and then buy new bearings to match which would be .010", .020", or .030"

Can i just slap in a set of std. bearings, plasti-gauge the bottom end, and call it a day?
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Old Apr 23, 2009 | 08:54 AM
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If you've ever compared plastigauge to a dial bore gage and micrometer measurement, you wouldn't be using plastigauge on a performance engine. An old 76 Chevy pickup for chasing parts, yes. Performance engine, NO. There is too much variance between the plastigauge measurements and the proper measurements.
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