Lb7 rebuild

Olivertractor

New member
Oct 18, 2016
6
0
0
Hi I have a 03 lb7 192k and my turbo was making noise, I pulled oil feed line to the turbo off and no oil flow. After pulling turbo I can look down on the cam bearing and see the bearing is spun on the cam. My question is while I have the engine apart what kind of things should I be doing, it is stock with a mbrp down pipe and exhaust. I was thinking arp head studs, obviously a replacement cam and rebuild engine (as long as the block isn't trashed). So not wanting a performance engine but I would like to do anything I can for reliability now. I have also heard swapping a lly would be good, if so what does that swap entail?
 

Olivertractor

New member
Oct 18, 2016
6
0
0
I have my engine back from the machine shop, #4 main bearing had bad wear on the journal and the bearing was trashed. I had a used crank checked and main studs installed the engine line honed. This will be my first duramax build and my question is what bearings should I be using(stock engine)? And should I have my tolerances a little loose to try and avoid crank breaking? Also is plastigauge reliable enough to check bearings, and any advice for assembly would be great
 

Stancedlb7

Cummin Stroke this Duramax
Feb 9, 2015
649
0
0
SLC, UTAH
Plastigauge is fine lol but I would at least use some LBZ rods. Just weigh each lb7 rod. Than shave the cap of each LBZ rod to match the lb7 rod weight. Not a full build but safer for sure. Id also do a comp cam. They are super cheap with the beehive spring combo, if you're looking for extra power.
 

Olivertractor

New member
Oct 18, 2016
6
0
0
Ok, on cam I have already had it keyed along with the crank, and the rods have already been resized with arp. What would be the proper way to check bearings? A caliper and a bore gauge?
 

Stancedlb7

Cummin Stroke this Duramax
Feb 9, 2015
649
0
0
SLC, UTAH
Ok, on cam I have already had it keyed along with the crank, and the rods have already been resized with arp. What would be the proper way to check bearings? A caliper and a bore gauge?

Was it align honed? Since the crank bearing didnt spin I would just use plastigauge.
 

Olivertractor

New member
Oct 18, 2016
6
0
0
It was line honed, I'm just trying to make a reliable engine just need it to pull not be fast. Anyone have suggestions for bearing or just clevite?
 

Olivertractor

New member
Oct 18, 2016
6
0
0
Another question, I am trying to figure out what head gaskets I need, the block was decked and my piston protrusion is .014 and highest at .016 I'm not sure if c gaskets will work or do I need d gaskets? I really don't want to take out the pistons and have the tops cut off what does anyone think about this?