who is still on original rod bearings?

[Doc Oc]

I think it's generally accepted that lack of clearance causes inadequate oiling leading to bearing on crank contact which causes premature wear.

[Magnetic Fusion]

Originally Posted by Doc Oc

I think your shop is right in that the hardware (and proper torque) is what makes the most difference, however by going wpc you are eliminating the option of oil analysis. For that reason alone I wouldn't use them, but if that's not a concern for you then I don't see any other drawbacks. A little extra clearance in the bearing wouldn't be a bad thing but if the arp hardware opens things up I suppose it's not necessary.

We discussed this and Rick assures I won't need any oil analysis as doing one isn't common in the first place. If the stock bearings weren't a problem we wouldn't be doing any oil analysis in the first place and probably wouldn't even know Blackstone exist he said. I almost can't disagree as I had no clue who Blackstone was until I read forums on the e9x rod bearings. But...im taking that chance as he promises I won't have to worry about my rob bearings after the wpc, be, or VAC bearings, which all seem to use the same material.

[Solo_M_Tech]

Originally Posted by Magnetic Fusion

We discussed this and Rick assures I won't need any oil analysis as doing one isn't common in the first place. If the stock bearings weren't a problem we wouldn't be doing any oil analysis in the first place and probably wouldn't even know Blackstone exist he said. I almost can't disagree as I had no clue who Blackstone was until I read forums on the e9x rod bearings. But...im taking that chance as he promises I won't have to worry about my rob bearings after the wpc, be, or VAC bearings, which all seem to use the same material.

Assumptions..... As with any high strung V8, proper oil analysis should be done at, every other oil change (my opinion based on 5k mile oil changes). Rod bearing wear is inevitable with the S65 and it's kind, but adding coated bearings and proper torqued bolts will definitely reduce the wear rate, and hopefully extend engine life.

I agree with your shops theory that the issue is bolt torque. Always have and always will. Though I still don't understand why they measure oil clearance without torquing the bolts. You simply cannot do that. No way of getting an accurate clearance measurement. Basic engine assembly 101.

[Doc Oc]

Originally Posted by Magnetic Fusion

We discussed this and Rick assures I won't need any oil analysis as doing one isn't common in the first place. If the stock bearings weren't a problem we wouldn't be doing any oil analysis in the first place and probably wouldn't even know Blackstone exist he said. I almost can't disagree as I had no clue who Blackstone was until I read forums on the e9x rod bearings. But...im taking that chance as he promises I won't have to worry about my rob bearings after the wpc, be, or VAC bearings, which all seem to use the same material.

Gotcha. However they don't all use the same material. BE and the custom VAC's use a lead babbitt bearing whereas wpc bearings are micro shot-peened oem 702 bearings which have an aluminum/tin construction. Lots of people use them so it's not like you are alone, but they are definitely hard to monitor via uoa should you ever choose to do so.

[Magnetic Fusion]

Originally Posted by Doc Oc

Gotcha. However they don't all use the same material. BE and the custom VAC's use a lead babbitt bearing whereas wpc bearings are micro shot-peened oem 702 bearings which have an aluminum/tin construction. Lots of people use them so it's not like you are alone, but they are definitely hard to monitor via uoa should you ever choose to do so.

Yeah I'm aware. I look at it like this...im about at 150k miles on original bearings. So I think I got a pretty solid engine. So I'm hoping that this will prolong my car to 300k+ it's a DD so it's not like I race the thing. The ARP bolts are overkill but it never hurts to put in quality bolts since he'll be in there anyways. I can see me later on getting some hot laps in.

[Steve 2016]

Just do it. You wouldn't not have car insurance would you?
Got mine replaced at 80000km. Definite wear. I'm much less anxious now.