Some copper showing through a bearing is normal wear...

To truly see if the bearing is worn beyond its specs, you must measure it.

 

I had copper showing on my front 2 bearings when I had a cam install done at 10k miles. Didn't know better then and had them replaced which ended up running me more than I wanted to pay for a cam install.

 

Just swapped cams out of my 02' T/A last night with 15K miles and I didn't see any copper colored bearings that I was aware of.

 

Mine were copper also. I confirmed through a LS1 builder who said this is normal.

 

The biggest concern with this motor is that the front bearing looked like it had been attacked by a screwdriver.

 

obviously, replacing the cam bearings requires a complete teardown...BOO!

 

Sterling is right it was pretty bad! Remembe there was some shavings from the bearing that were on the cam... The car is in the shop being looked at in a further degree so I will keep everyone posted when I find out what is going on.