Howdy,

I'm rebuilding my LT1, due to low oil pressure and what appeared to be the beginning of some lower end knock. Sure enough, the main and rod bearings had some wear, but no spun bearings.

I'm getting my crank turned and had asked the machine shop if they thought I needed to have my rods resized as well. This is a daily driver, street only car, so they said that I really didn't need to worry too much about it, as long as the oil clearances were measured when I installed the main/rod bearings.

So, long story short; how critical is getting these rods done? They're stock, and so is everything else.

thanks,
J

 

It only takes a matter of minutes to slap them on the appropriate gague/fixture and check them for you. I have them checked first. If they're out by more than 1/2 a thou I get them done for a street motor. Anything with performance intentions gets much closer scrutiny.

They can be too big, too small or just plain not round any more (tight in some spots, loose in others).

 

Mentally comparing the cost of resizing rods to the cost of a screwed-up lower end leans me in the direction of removing as many of the "Murphy's Law" elements as possible. Slightly out-of-round big ends on the rods is an invitation to a much more expensive rebuild party in a few thousand miles. Since the crank has been turned, you're beginning with a whole new environment for the rod bearings. If there were bearing problems before the rebuild, there are probably issues with the rods as well. At the VERY least, have them checked for roundness.

Good luck

 

Yep, makes sense.

Thanks guys,

J