ive got this new 96 shortblock 4 blt lt1 crate motor thats been setting for 12 or 14 yrs.
being its it in a state were access to the bearings is not going to get any easier i am wondering if i should put a new set of main and con rod bearings in it and is there a set that is better than stock? rings im figuring will be alright but the bearings may have a flat spot from setting. i will be putting some le2 heads and im thinking the 223/230 cam and some other goodies to bring her up to 375 to 420 hp over time.

 

Uhhhhhhhh....why would the bearings have flat spots? Are they the inflatable kind?
That is/was a brand new engine right? The bearings are round, as are the journals of the crank. Pressure on the bearings (at rest) would be equal all around, unless you were beating the hell out of the caps with a sledgehammer.

 

yep brand new. pistions have not moved. over the years ive been told on many occations that a motor is made for running and if a motor sets for a long time u should turn it over once in a while to keep the bearings from getting a indentation or flat spot in them on one side or spot. i figure they stored the motor (upside down) to set for a time but wasnt sure if 14 yrs were in the plans... no i have not turned over the new motor without *** lube or oil. mostly just want to do something with it but i guess ill have to work a little harder and save $ so i can get to the serious business. be sending the heads and intake out to loyd the end of this month or first part of aug. he should like doing the heads there 14 yr old new heads.

 

Yes, even though the bearings and journals are round, without oil, the clearances are not the same all the way around.