Rod Bearing Replacement @78,000 kms - Perth

[American Dave]

FYI for those Perth owners who maybe considering the rod bearing replacement. I had BM Techniks give me a quote for the work today using OEM parts and they came back as follows:

OEM Rod Bearings $ 930
Bolts $ 350
Sump Gasket $ 128
Engine Oil $ 196
Oil Filter $ 28
Labour 10 Hrs $1540
Sundries $ 39

[Ingenio]

Thanks Dave... You read my mind!

I was about to go and get a quote for this very job from AC as I've heard mixed things about BMT...

Are there any other trusted shops out there we should get comparable pricing from?

Also, how come the OEM parts? I thought the new Clevite rod bearings were the go? I think I've also seen people replacing the arms too... is that not prudent?

[Rocket_Rod]

10hrs for $1540?
Wow, that's cheap.

[aussiem3]

Originally Posted by American Dave

FYI for those Perth owners who maybe considering the rod bearing replacement. I had BM Techniks give me a quote for the work today using OEM parts and they came back as follows:

OEM Rod Bearings $ 589
Bearings $ 674
Rod $ 350
Sump Gasket $ 128
Engine Oil $ 196
Oil Filter $ 28
Labour 10 Hrs $1540
Sundries $ 39

Why two lots of bearings? Where's are the bolts? If you add all those up one might get it done through the dealer, who has quoted something similar.

[American Dave]

I have used BMT previously and just wanted to know what I was up for. I will likely go to the stealership and get them to quote the job as well. I will share that quote here as well. Clevite bearings are obviously an option as well.

As I have said previously, my engine oil analysis shows no signs of any problems nor does the way the car is running since I bought 10 months ago.

[aussiem3]

Originally Posted by American Dave

I have used BMT previously and just wanted to know what I was up for. I will likely go to the stealership and get them to quote the job as well. I will share that quote here as well. Clevite bearings are obviously an option as well.

As I have said previously, my engine oil analysis shows no signs of any problems nor does the way the car is running since I bought 10 months ago.

I am sure the stealership will be cheap compared what you've been quoted by Andrew.

[Kosta1968]

I dont know about you guys but who has the cheapest price wouldnt influence my decision. I would want to use somebody that has extensive motor building experience and then worry about the price. I wouldnt make the erroneous assumption that those skills are present at the dealership. Nor would any workshop warranty the work for more than 12 months so dont assume the dealership would either. Just my two cents, no offence intended.

[aussiem3]

Originally Posted by CON G

I dont know about you guys but who has the cheapest price wouldnt influence my decision. I would want to use somebody that has extensive motor building experience and then worry about the price. I wouldnt make the erroneous assumption that those skills are present at the dealership. Nor would any workshop warranty the work for more than 12 months so dont assume the dealership would either. Just my two cents, no offence intended.

I don't know of any experts in this field especially with S65. Having said that, I am sure any competent engine builder can handle it. But at least with the dealership you'll get two years on the parts and workmanship. I am not sure of that with any local Indy stores.

[cplagz]

Replacing bearings isn't hard - it's taking the time to actually measure the clearances that a lot don't bother with. Once you have the bottom end off they literally just snap into place and you tighten the caps back up, it's a job I would 100% DIY if I had access to a hoist/gearbox jacks .etc

[rixride]

The key word is access....

[EarthboundMisfit]

Originally Posted by American Dave

As I have said previously, my engine oil analysis shows no signs of any problems nor does the way the car is running since I bought 10 months ago.

My oil analysis results over the past 12 months showed no signs of problems either, with wear metals "within limits". Those samples were analysed by ALS Global and, after one set of results came back with reference to the wrong oil viscosity, I wasn't too confident in their ability or their attention to detail.

My big end bearings have just been replaced. All showed some sign of wear, and three of the uppers were worn down to the copper layer. I don't know if the bearings in these cars wear at a uniform rate over time, or rapidly past a certain point.

In my case, oil analysis was of no assistance in confirming bearing wear issues.

[DaveDee]

Originally Posted by American Dave

FYI for those Perth owners who maybe considering the rod bearing replacement. I had BM Techniks give me a quote for the work today using OEM parts and they came back as follows:

OEM Rod Bearings $ 589
Bearings $ 674
Rod $ 350
Sump Gasket $ 128
Engine Oil $ 196
Oil Filter $ 28
Labour 10 Hrs $1540
Sundries $ 39

Hey Dave

Check with Chris or Zeljko on the shop. BMT are very good for work like you have already had done but things that require great care... I know Andrew has lost some key staff, so have a chat to Chris.

Price wise you can get the VAC CT-1 coated bearings that have the same clearance as OE (they are custom bearings) and ARP rod bolts. The stock bolts are stretch bolts and are one use only

I've been getting these for friends at slightly higher cost than stock but both are worth more. With our dollar heading further South it's better to get these sooner than later.
10 hours is right, Prestige and Performance do the job in 10 hours.

Good luck with this Dave, its the right way to go and will give peace of mind

[Ingenio]

Does anyone have any idea when the new Clevite coated bearings are coming out?

[DaveDee]

Originally Posted by Ingenio

Does anyone have any idea when the new Clevite coated bearings are coming out?

See below as a part of a conversation with VAC

Hello David our older bearings from over a year ago were stock bearings with the Calico coating applied. Our new bearings are custom units made especially for us buy Mahle/ Clevite. These newer bearings are made to compensate for the thickness of the Calico CT1 coating.

http://www.calicocoatings.com/coatin...ilm-lubricant/

[Ingenio]

Thanks Dave... I think I read the new ones might be due out in the U.S. In September?

[DaveDee]

Originally Posted by Ingenio

Thanks Dave... I think I read the new ones might be due out in the U.S. In September?

I'll check with VAC, it's possible the above spec is current. I'll come back to you and post the answer when business resumes after the US weekend

[American Dave]

I am more keen than ever to do this mod and just debating if I should wait for the custom clevite bearings or not

[Dalthar]

I've also been thinking of getting the custom clevite bearings

[American Dave]

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1168805

[jav_au]

I'm going to be changing mine qhen the new custom clevite ones are released. I was speaking to Will at Mike weber prestige and performance when I had my akrapovic evo installed on Thursday and he mentioned that every single set that came out needed replacing. Kind of scary to hear.

[American Dave]

I have now given up waiting for the "new custom clevite bearings" and I have ordered the VAC - S65 Perform coated rod bearing set and ARP bolts to suit thru Dave Dee at M3 World.

[DuaneTh]

I gave up waiting too. Mine go in Monday.