Quick check- Bottom end

[bob442]

So i got my motor and trans out of my 05' Monte, i'm going to basically strip it down, clean and seal up with plastic till i get the parts that i decide on needing. i'm throwing in a cam, and porting the top end. i'd like to quickly check one rod and main bearing for a basic judgment of the condition of the bottom end, so my question is which rod and main bearing is mostly under the most stress and to be worn more than others. This is going to basically be a slap and go process with new gaskets and seals, and cam bearings. i'm not sure if i should mess with the bottom end and throw in new bearings while i'm there.
EDIT: motor has 90,000 km with strick synethetic 5w30 oilchanges every 5000km, and the bottom of my lower intake was absolutly spotless if that helps, no carbon or sludge build up what so ever

On a side note, i'm going to be gearing down the trans to a 369:1 or 3.73:1, getting a HD tourqe converter, and a bunch of upgrades to make this thing haul, i'm happy i work at a tranny shop that they can figure this stuff out

While i've started a new thread, i'll ask these quick questions:
I would like to know if i could build a cam bearing install tool myself and correctly install them.

Can i transfer a tune from HPT to EFI live for a base tune

What fuel system parts should i upgrade for a ported 3400 top end with TB, and a Street/Strip or Strip cam, as in fuel injectors, or adjustable FPR

Thanks all for any answers.
Bob

[bszopi]

I would say check #5 and/or #6 rods. 3500 added oil squirters to cyl 5/6 for a reason.

Cam installation tool - just buy one or have a shop install them for you. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PRO-66794/ you can find cheap ones on ebay for less than $30

HPT -> EFI Live - I'm going to say no go, as they are completely different file formats

Fuel System - If you are buying a cam from Ben, get his recommendation on injector sizing.

[bob442]

sweet, thanks, i got 3 or 4 questions answered. i was thinking the bearing install tool was similar to a bushing install tool, but i'm wrong.

[bob442]

on bearings that showed excesive wear were the cam bearings, i will still replace the bottom end bearings, i tore everythign down and washed it all, so all i need is new parts, and a quick hone and scuff on the cylinder walls. And WOW, the timing chain is halariously small

[60dgrzbelow0]

sweet, thanks, i got 3 or 4 questions answered. i was thinking the bearing install tool was similar to a bushing install tool, but i'm wrong.

This video gives you an idea of the tool and the accessories in one of the more expensive Cam Bearing Install Tools and the general processes involved:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbqN5wxMk0E

I'm not certain on all the cam bearings being the same size... as in some of the earlier GM V6 motors...they had some variation in their sizing and position and the "orders of operation" on which ones to install first through last, etc. Here is the link to my photobucket for the image of this very same tool John Edwards at Costa Mes R&D is using to do the job in both removing the old cam bearings and installing new ones:

http://s557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/60dgrzbelow0/ENGINEASSEMBLYTOOLS/?action=view&current=DSC00541.jpg

[3400-95-Modified]

Two centers are the same size and front and rear are same size... Similar on a GM V8, except the 5th cam journal is the one oddball and largest on the V8 we only have 4 so we only have two different sizes not three... Same reason why you can use a v8 cam bearing set and throw out the largest bearing.

From front to rear the journals are typically numbered 1, 2, 3, 4. And installation procedure is 2 from the front, 3 from the rear, then 1 from the front and then 4 from the rear. Pretty straight forward, and if your unfamiliar with the sizing... 2 and 3 will slide right though 1 and 4's bore since they are smaller.

I've done mine multiple times, and I will say this, DO NOT use sealed power v6 cam bearings. Use the ones that Ben offers on WOT-Tech or get a set of SBC 350 ones from Clevite.

That Youtube vid is a bad example too since we do not have access to the cam journals from below, OR above for that matter... there is block in the way on both sides. We have to go through the front and rear bore's to install the inside bearings.

[60dgrzbelow0]

Two centers are the same size and front and rear are same size... Similar on a GM V8, except the 5th cam journal is the one oddball and largest on the V8 we only have 4 so we only have two different sizes not three... Same reason why you can use a v8 cam bearing set and throw out the largest bearing.

From front to rear the journals are typically numbered 1, 2, 3, 4. And installation procedure is 2 from the front, 3 from the rear, then 1 from the front and then 4 from the rear. Pretty straight forward, and if your unfamiliar with the sizing... 2 and 3 will slide right though 1 and 4's bore since they are smaller.

I've done mine multiple times, and I will say this, DO NOT use sealed power v6 cam bearings. Use the ones that Ben offers on WOT-Tech or get a set of SBC 350 ones from Clevite.

That Youtube vid is a bad example too since we do not have access to the cam journals from below, OR above for that matter... there is block in the way on both sides. We have to go through the front and rear bore's to install the inside bearings.

Thanks for the clarifiaction on bearing positional issue... Actually, the purpose of the YouTube video was to show the very same tool in actual use so the OP could get a look at how physical bearing replacement can be, what with all the hammer banging, etc. John Edward's tip on lube hole placement is also worth knowing. In an automotive world prejudiced toward the V8 Engine Block, its often hard to find the perfect example of things like this for our V6 brethren and FWIW... I never post anything worthless or without a purpose, Mr. Pink.

[bob442]

thats really usefull clearing the cam bearing sizes up, for the life of me though, i cant remember your name 3400-95-modified. sorry.
And yes 60dgrzbelow0, that video was usefull to know WTF the cam bearing tool actualy looks like and how they are installed with the tool.
Thanks all.