Well this is bad... options?

**Dancing Bear** · 06-14-2016

Took my 02 GTP to the mechanic to see about diagnosing a bad knocking/metallic sound that I believed was the flexplate. Unfortunately I didn't have the time to inspect it myself as my schedule has been hectic.

Mechanic called me this morning, he inspected the flexplate and found no damage to the flexplate but did discover that it is a bad main bearing in the rear of the motor. He said that he could pop the engine out, replace the bearing(s) and it would be fine for some time, but I should consider selling the car before any more serious issues arise ..

My question is this: Is just replacing the bearings a dependable fix that will last, or just a Band-Aid until I can sell the car? What are your guys thoughts on this?

**SgtMarshal** · 06-14-2016

I would not recommend changing the bearings in the block. it would be more cost effective to find a used L36 block to swap in.

**Dancing Bear** · 06-14-2016

Aw **** :/ I'm trying to get this car together quickly for my brother so he has something to drive, take some pressure off of my mother .. I suppose I'll take a look around and see what I can find.

Just curious, and so I can learn, why would just changing the bearings be a bad idea?

**Slick2500** · 06-14-2016

Because over time the mains turn into a oval shape and are no longer round, putting a new round bearing into an oval hole never works out too well.

**b4black** · 06-14-2016

Your mechanic said to replace the bearing and then sell the car. That's a band aid. (and a crappy thing to do to someone).

**Bronco Boy** · 06-14-2016

Originally Posted by Dancing Bear

My question is this: Is just replacing the bearings a dependable fix that will last, or just a Band-Aid until I can sell the car? What are your guys thoughts on this?

Rebuild or replace. Changing just the bearings is just a band-aid that most likely won't stick for very long.

**WarStryker13** · 06-14-2016

A used L36 or even L26 block would need some modding in order to run properly, those are N/A blocks with higher compression ratios and the potential for serious problems without at least headers or a plog w/downpipe.

If it's just to get him back and forth, find a JY car with a bad trans and an L67 supercharged motor. No additional mods required, and the block should be drop in and go.

**SgtMarshal** · 06-14-2016

All you would need to do for the l36 to run ok is a different tune if all you did was swap engine blocks. You could do headers or some type of ported exhaust manifold and it would help with flow which you would may or may not need.

**Swiggles** · 06-14-2016

Probably wouldn't be too hard to find an l67 but the l36 is plentiful

**WarStryker13** · 06-14-2016

The kr from a bottom swap without flow mods would be begging for uncle chip to visit.

**SgtMarshal** · 06-14-2016

I'm waiting for Scott to add his .02 cents

**WarStryker13** · 06-14-2016

He's done that already, hasn't he? Lol just realized that.

**Scottydoggs** · 06-15-2016

my 2 cents,,,, you guys got this one covered already lol

**Swiggles** · 06-15-2016

Originally Posted by WarStryker13

The kr from a bottom swap without flow mods would be begging for uncle chip to visit.

With an l26 yes l36 not likely

**WarStryker13** · 06-15-2016

I've got an L26, so my research has been lacking for the L36... It would still be a possibility, though.

**Scottydoggs** · 06-15-2016

they all can chip a piston. its the rods in the l26 that are supposed to be weaker.

any top swap needs headers, or at least a plog dp combo. or uncle chip will show up and f up your weekend for ya.

**WarStryker13** · 06-15-2016

That's funny, because the press release for the 04 GP states that the forged powdered metal connecting rods are stronger than the previous generation's. Lol

**SgtMarshal** · 06-15-2016

Originally Posted by WarStryker13

That's funny, because the press release for the 04 GP states that the forged powdered metal connecting rods are stronger than the previous generation's. Lol

that is absolutely true with exception, the L32 has the strongest rods between all series 2 and 3 engines.