This may not be the place for this, but I really did not know where else to put it. It looks like there is more traffic here than any where else, so, before anyone gets angry, it seemed like a good idea at the time.

Here's the question:
I just bought an 85 Z28. The motor sounds like its spun a bearing. I am going to pull the motor out this Wednesday and take a look at the lower end. The motor is not the original 305, but rather a 350, with a somewhat lopey cam. BUT - before I put this thing together I want to mic the journals and make sure that I get the right bearings for it. Does anyone know where I can rent (South Houston/Pearland area) or buy a micrometer? Or, should I take it somewhere and have it mic'd?

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and once again, I apologize if this post is in the wrong place.

Chuck

Chuck,
I would advise you to take the pan off and take it to a local machine shop and have them mike the crank. They can also look at the rods and advise you as to whether they will need resizing. If it actually spun a bearing, the crank will have to be reground to an undersize and more than likely at least one rod will have to be reconditioned. If you don't know of a good shop, go to the AERA web site and find a member shop near you. http://www.aera.org/main.htm
Hope this helps,

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Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

1971 Heavy Chevy - original owner
Team Chevelle #100

try this http://www.harborfreight.com

Look for a mike for sale there.

You'de better Meter your Micros before something terrible happens

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Scott, 20
Denton/Dallas, 70 Chevelle Malibu
May the force be with you..

I agree with Bill, unless you have rebuilt an
engine before or are a machinist, take the crank to a reliable automotive machine shop,
also note the bearing conditions as you remove them, excessive scoring (scratches) or a bearing that has rotated in its seat are not good signs.

Thanks a lot fellas.
There is a good shop down the road from my house. I will call them this afternoon and see if they can do the deed sometime this week. Better safe than sorry.

Thanks for the advice.
Chuck

Quick check, peck on the rod journals with a small hammer, back on forth. The spun bearing will let the rod move noticably. Look at back side of bearing and usually you can tell stock or undersize replacement by stamped numbers. If no too bad better to get the crank turned than buy a crank kit. Kits have welded up journals sometimes, not all that bad, but.....

Fortunately, I have a perfectly good 350 crank sitting in my garage next to my 400 crank. If the crank is in need of turning, I will just use the "new" one instead. I think I will still have it mic'd just in case. If the rod is still good, it should not be a problem, right?