ruskus

Help. I spun a bearing on the crankshaft. The engine is a big block but not original to the car. My local mechanic gave me three options -
(1) replace the crankshaft, bearings etc.
(2) rebuild the engine
(3) replace the engine
I am not very knowledgeable in automotive things, just like to drive my car.
Any opinions on which way to go? I would love to drop in a new engine but I don't think my wife will let me spend that much. Also, anyone have any good repair shops around Union County, NJ? Thanks.

Russ

john73bb

I'd say:
Low miles on the engine -- replace the crankshaft, or at least get it reground
High miles on the engine -- rebuild it and make it HOT :reddevil
Lotsa money floating arouind -- drop in a 502/502 crate engine :cool:

I love the looks of your car -- want to trade? :D

Gordonm

I would pull the bottom end apart and see how bad the crank is. It might be able to be turned down .010 and reused. While I ahd the motor apart if it has some miles on it you might as well put in some new rings and bearings at the least. If money is not an issue go with the 502. Most likely the motor will ahve to come out and pulled apart. Might as well rebuild while it is apart.

MotorHead

Rebuild, but hopefully not the same place that rebuilt it last time, my thoughts about a spun bearing is a lousy rebuild job in the first place usually is the cause.

ram82fire

Rebuild ,,, the engine must come out and be completely disassembled to remove all the metal that currently resides in your oil gallerys . And it is a really nice car ,,, do it up ! 502 hmmmmmmmmmmmmm :crazy:

ruskus

Thanks all. If I had the cash I would definately go for the 502. With rebuild seeming to be the best idea, any idea on what a rebuild should cost? Nothing too crazy or hot, I just want to be able to drive the car without worry. Anyone know where to research a good garage in NJ?

marky mark

I would budget from $1800 to 6000. This depends on what you want done and how much horsepower you want to add. For instance: cast pistons vs. forged, flat tappet hydraulic cam vs. roller cam, stock heads vs. Edelbrock Aluminum heads. You get the idea. For a basic rebuild in your area I would think around $2500 =/-. That would not include removing and re-installing the motor (add another $700-1200 unless you can do it yourself.

As far as finding a good re-build shop: ask around the local garages and find some people involved in track racing (drags or stock cars). They will be able to perhaps recommend a shop that specializes in high performance "Detroit" cars.

Nice looking 'Vette! Keep us informed on how things go.

Regards, Mark :flag :chevy

Matt Gruber

consider a new GM 454 with a warranty. Costs less than a 502 and you will be back on the road fast.

dman535

Even with a standard GM crate engine you are looking at $4000 for a milk-truck 454. You might want to consider taking the 427 out and putting it in the corner of the garage and having a 454 built for the car. Source some dart or world product iron cylinder heads and run a decent cam. You would end up with a reliable, pump gas tolerant, stout motor. If you redo the 427 you still have to worry about non-hardened valve seats in the heads and the higher static compression ratio.