I have a lead on an LS-1 with a spun #6 bearing for $350. No accessories, starter, or ECU included, but the rest is included, including the intake. Is it worth doing?

I've never worked inside an engine before, but I have a few months before I will have the cash to actually start my swap, and I've always wanted to learn about building engines, so maybe I should give this thing a try. My real question, I guess, is "will I regret trying to fix a spun bearing?"

I haven't looked into this repair at all, but I have heard that if I'm replacing a bearing, I might as well do them all, and if it spun a bearing I should really take the whole motor apart and make sure there aren't fragments in the passages or something. Then when I put it back together, I need to take it to a machine shop and have it re-balanced.

Realistically, how much will it cost in time and money to learn how to do this kind of work and repair the engine so I can drop it in my '02?

 

Is it a 99+? If so, it might be worth the gamble. If its a 97-98, pass on it. Cranks are around 75 dollars on LS1tech if you need it, rings, bearings, and seals are going to be around 350, and machine work will be around 400 depending on your area. As long as the pistons and rods are good, GM does a pretty good job as far as balancing from the little I've seen.

Let us know what you end up doing!

 

With a spun bearing, crank or rod, there is only one sure way to repair the engine and that is to completely disassemble the motor and rebuild. The problem you're having to deal with is that damage to the bearing and /or rod or crank has put metal shavings into the rest of the engine. This, obviously will cause failure in the affected areas like cylender bores, rings, oil pump, cam bearings, valve guides, rocker arms....anything touched by the oil. You can do a cheapo job by replacing the damaged bearing and having the crank journel turned but I wouldn't waste the time or money doing a half assed repair.

Another big question to consider is how did this happen !!!??? Someone abused the **** out of this engine that's how. Another reason to completely rebuild. Good luck, Tony

 

From what you are all saying (here and at m.net), it sounds like I should pass on this engine and keep looking for a known running one.

 

I think you'll be better off in the long run.