options for mains

[jayro]

Hello,
Since our Main Bearings have been discontinued I was wondering what you guys (and gals) saw as our options when rebuilding a motor. I have a 3.2 that I am building this winter for my 94 mtx. I have the original bearings from the crank, but they have 240K on them. Also, the crank and bearings dont match the block (gonna have it all rebalanced). I thought about finding some low milage used bearings, but have been told that once they are compressed around a different crank they are no good....is this correct? I understand that my best option is new ones, but I havent been able to find any. I posted in the WTB section, but havent gotten any responses. Thanks

Jeremy

 

[sperold]

Until someone starts making them again, I would go with the original bearings that match the crank.
Just look for signs of copper, and plastigauge the assembly to be sure of the clearance.
I have never heard the theory you mentioned regarding swapping other used bearings.
The wear on main bearings has more to do with the number of start-ups and oil selection and condition, than it does with miles of operation.

 

[gmail]

yes use the bearings in there unless you can get some new ones.. dont mix and match bearings.

we really need to get someone to make new bearings... this not having bearings thing is ********...

we can change a head gasket but cant do a proper rebuild

 

[NovaSS]

I talked to the guys at clevite about the mains, they said sure they would make a run of them, min order was in the THOUSANDS !

 

[93rev2sev]

Well if they make a thousand bearings that's only 166 sets. That's about $8300 at $50 a set (just guessing manufacture cost, not retail).

We need to talk to Rock auto and get THEM to make that investment. Maybe start a petition.

 

[jayro]

I talked to the guys at clevite about the mains, they said sure they would make a run of them, min order was in the THOUSANDS !

Yeah, I figured it would be something like that. I was able to score a new set at RCM. I think it was the last standard size though. Heading to the garage to yank the motor and start tearing it down. Should be out in a few hours