any tips and/or tricks to installing rod and main bearings?

[Formula Z]

i think ive bored most of you and dont think ill get much feedback from the my formula project thread. so my bearings should be at home today when i get there. as the title states, is there any suggestions? thanks

[98blackbeauty]

Don't take any short cuts putting them in.

[Formula Z]

like what? do i have to remove the pistons completely to do the rod bearings? i think i should be able to do it without pulling them????

[DETROITMUSCLE]

Your going to have to remove everything down to the bare block.

[WMCCjames]

Don't knick the journals! Replacing bearings is a fairly easy job as long as you pay attention to details. Check the clearences of each bearing...don't use plastigage because it sucks. Write all your numbers down, then go back and do it over again and compare your measurements. Do it right with a ID and OD micrometer. Don't forget the oil on the final assembly.

[my95z28]

Don't put assembly lube on the back of the bearing, lol. Seen that one done a few times.

[Formula Z]

if i pull the pistons, wont that screw up where the rings are seated?

[DETROITMUSCLE]

yeah I thought you were doing rings as well? You pretty much have to to be honest the main bearings go under the crank as well and therefor everything has to come out.

[Formula Z]

think i may just take it to the machine shop

[DETROITMUSCLE]

sorry I can't help more Mike I wish I had all the tools to do a shortblock but I had mine assembled by the machine shop as well.

[Formula Z]

i was going to do rings as well but everyone keeps telling me im going to open a can of worms. im way over what i planned on spending on this build and if soething else cme up with the rings then id be screwed. already if my car makes it out this year, it will be a miracle

[DETROITMUSCLE]

well as I stated I didn't build my shortblock so maybe there is something I am missing but if the rod bearings go on both the rod and the rod caps then the only way to do that would be to remove the rod/piston from the cylinder. I know for sure there are bearings under the crank that should be replaced and that would require the crank to be out which in turn you need to removes the pistons and rods ect.

Hopefully I'm wrong and its easier than that.

[WMCCjames]

You can replace the bearings without pulling the pistons out of the bore. But if you have it down that far I'd pull the pistons, put new rings on and dingle barry hone the cylinders to break any glaze.

[OIF1VET]

You may want to have that crank checked before you even open your new bearings.. Rob and I both felt scratches on the main journals(ok maybe not, but seemed like we could with our fingernails).. I'd have it checked.. New bearings do no good if the crank needs turned/polished.. And if it needs to be turned(crank), the bearings you have now will not work..