LT engines form the factory come with a threst bearing on the block only. My bearing kit came with one for the block and the cap. It also came with a flat bearing for the cap.
Which is better to use the 1/2 thrust (block only) or Full Block and Cap?

 

Post pictures please. I’m not following what your saying….

 

If you are familiar with the LT engine. The factory has a thrust bearing in the block and a standard bearing in the Maincap #3. The bearing kit came with and extra standard bearing and two block and Cap thrust bearings. Apperianlty you can run them both ways. in picture of block #3 has the thrust bearing in the block.. the question is.. run this same bearing in the cap. or the std bearing like in 1,2,4,5

 

If given the chance, I’d always run the thrust bearing on the cap also. A big power engine, in front of a big converter or a stiffer than stock pressure plate on a clutch, is hard on the thrust surface.

 

My guess is GM only used half to try to cut down on frictional losses, not for any other reason. I'd also want the full thrust surface on a modified engine.

 

That is the ONLY possible reason for doing that, and I think it's a half-*** way to do it. GM does GM....