Question about putting new bearings in a older motor.

How much (around) should a machine shop charge to put in new cam bearings? I plan on doing all the bearings (cam, main, and rod), so should I go ahead and have them put in the new main and rod bearings, even though I have done them on small block Fords in the past? I am also wondering if I need to have the crank polished and all that, even though I had no oil presure problems, and I have no reason to belive my bearings are on there way out. I am just going to have this motor out and I am putting a cam in, and figure its good preventitive mantanice.

Also, any suggestions on brands for the bearings, headgaskets/gasket sets, or anything else I can do for cheap for insurance while I am in this LT1?

-James

 

I just did it or am doing it motor is going in this week. I used federal mugol race bearnings for everything. I also had no issues with oil pres but found my cam bearnings a bit worn with 90k on them.

 

Cam bearings are cheap, so if I remember correctly it was around $50 installed. My memory may be off on that as it's been a couple of years, but it won't be outrageous.

King and Clevite both make great bearings. As for gaskets, I've had good luck with genuine GM ones.

Completely off topic, but I like the Grand Sport rims on your car! Two thumbs up!

 

Machine shops normally charge about $20 to install the cam bearings for you.

Don't run race bearings unless you want to rebuild regularly. Race type compound bearings are much softer than the street type so to protect expensive crankshafts, under the assumption you will rebuild after every race. Street bearings are harder so they last longer, with less permiability.

If you want 100K miles, use the street type. If you want 500 mile rebuilds, use the "race" type.

I personally run Clevite-77 street bearings and never have had a problem.

-Dave C. '97 Z28

 

Should I have the crank turned?

Is the sealed power gasket set any good,
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Perfect for a high performance street rebuild.

Chevrolet: 1992-96 5.7L (350) LT1 (except 1993-96 Corvette), complete, engine rebuild gasket set

This Speed-Pro "Musclecar Series" gasket set is perfect for a high performance street rebuild. The set includes non-stick head gaskets, intake manifold gaskets with exhaust crossover provisions, and all of the associated gaskets needed to complete your rebuild.

Sold as a set.

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Its the best priced.

Also, anyone make a bearing kit for LT1's, and how much?