I'm put together a short block with a new block and stock crank, but with the first 4 main bearing caps on the same side and #5 on the other side the crank is binding after tightening the inner bolts. Would it be the thrust bearing that is causing this or anyone have any other ideas?

 

Try it without the thrust bearing in place. Either the crank is bent, which is probably not the case, or the block needs to be align honed. That is if the thrust surface isn't holding it. Do you have any end play when the nunber 5 is just lightly tightened?

Jason

 

Check all of your main caps and your thrust bearing. They have to be in the right place, i had this issue with this on a ford motor. Our thrust bearing was in the wrong place.