I found a '95 Z28 for sale pretty cheap, but has a rod knock. Is there a way to access the bottom of the engine to replace the bearings without a complete engine removal? Is the crossmember in the way to prevent removal of the oil pan? I really don't want to do a complete engine and tranny removal (from the bottom no less!) I've done 11 engine swaps in my day, and am getting too old for this major crap anymore.

Thanks in advance.

 

Almost anything is possible. But I think that it would be easier to remove the motor than to attempt this with the motor in the car. But yes, it's possible. The crossmember has to be lowered though not completely removed and it will still, of course, be in the way. There is probably some Houdini out there who is going to chime in about how easy this is and so on. "Easy" is a matter of perspective though.

Rich

 

I think it would be easier to remove the motor. You would have to lower the crossmember a bit and then undo the motor mounts then jack the motor back up a little bit just to get the oil pan off, Then getting around everything else would be a pain. I would say just remove the motor through the bottom. I hear it is pretty easy to do.

 

Doing bearing replacement with the engine in the car is just the wrong way to go about it, IMO. Too hard to effectively mic the crank, match the bearings and confirm clearances.

 

If its not done right it will eat that bearing up in 100 miles or less. Plus you have all that metal in the engine now if it spun the other brg. Its going to eat them all up, cam bearing/lifters.

Spun bearing=rebuild

 

Yeah, Chanced are real good thay youll have to turn the crankand/or have the rod reconditioned or replaced. Just Reaplceing the bearing is definatly not the way to go especially if you want to keep it

 

Also, cut your oil filter open and see if it is full metal particles. If so, you'll need to plan on a complete rebuild.

WD