Ok, finally got a chance to plastigage the rod bearings. Everything checks fine so i'm sure it's not a rod knock and there is no slack in the wrist pins. Next on the list is to go ahead and replace the rod bearings while it's down and install arp rod bolts. After that i'm going to borrow a bore scope and check out the tops of the pistons.
Does anyone know where I can order a set of ARP rod bolts and a set of OE rod bearings today???
I need to get them by Tuesday if at all possible, cause if the pistons look good in the bore scope I still want to make my tuning appointment on this coming Friday.

 

Ranwalk, what size bearings are you planning to use?

 

Just going back with standard size.Ordered them from Thunder Racing today.

 

The reason I asked is these engines are mass produced and the control tolerances for clearance are all over the place. Check your existing bearings to make sure they are std. and not special fitted oversize or under size. I have seen this in many motors.

 

i was gonna say thunder or speedtek....i just got a set of Clevitte(sp)rod and main bearings in for my motor today. both of the afore mentioned places will have the ARP bolts also. i think i paid 65 for mine from Speedtek. Ran, what is this plastigage?

 

It's little plastic strips that you use to measure bearing clearance.

Example.

You put one of the strips on a crankshaft main and bolt down the cap with bearing installed. Torque it to spec and then take it back off. The little plastic strip gets squished and then you use a little chart included with the plastigage to measure the clearances. The little strips get wider when squished and the little chart shows the clearance for how wide the strip is.

Really simple stuff that works good enough.

 

ahh, ok...i understand now. we have a bunch of feeler gauges here at the shop that i used to check the clearances between rods, and between rods and crank side walls.

 

Those are used more for rod or main/crank journal clearances.

 

FYI these motors use the same rod bearings as any old small block Chevy-you can get them for about $25 at any local parts store.