krazykarl

I'm interested in knowing what work can be done with the engine installed and the oil pan off. I know the rod bearings can be replaced and the piston rings cannot because the have to go out the top. What about the main and thrust bearings?

JohnKoaWood

From what I have gathered the main and thrust bearings are best done on an engine stand, as the crank is a bear to try to bench press into place, and hold while installing the lower crank girdle...

let gravity hold that 95lbs in place in teh block by pulling the motor and inverting it on an engine stand...

PLUS you can pull the pistons with the head off, and the block still in the car... but to get the oil pan off, you have to pull the cross member, which leaves the motor unsupported from below...

AlpharettaRK

With a proper support for the engine (holding it from the top) you can do rings and rod bearings with the engine in the car. I have ben told you can (without also removing the trans) remove the girdle and replace all of the mains except the rear-most.
Cheers
Randy

V2Rocket

3-piece xmember!
i might be home-making one to see if i can lol. i have a spare x member, and as of yesterday a full complete spare NA engine intake to oil pan that cost EIGHTY DOLLARS

tyro

Rod bearings with engine in car is still a PITA. I can't imagine doing the mains properly with the engine still in the car.

Are you 100% that your thrust bearing is toast? I'd get another opinion before getting too crazy.

krazykarl

I guess it's not 100% percent certain, but I'm not sure what else it could be. I saw the crank pulley move forward as the shop tech pushed on the flywheel.

krystar

oil pickup tube reinforcement !!!!

and additional oil pan baffling.