Yeah the bottom end was the only really damaged part. The contact between the top of the piston and cylinder head is fairly minor. Two things kept me from fixing this engine or putting another 3.5L in it: First - I didn't really know how bad the internal damage was until I got it opened up and Second - I've owned an Isuzu before. While they were certainly overbuilt for the US market, when something did go wrong or wear out..... It was EXPENSIVE and hard to replace locally!!!
Hence the upgrade to a 5.3L Chevy Short Block, Turbo 400 trans, Dana 300 transfer case, Scout Dana 44 axles and possibly 37" tires. Besides the power window/locks and HVAC, the rest of the setup will likely be mechanical for better durability.
I see there had been many views of the thread but very little in the way of comments. It's like I drug a dead spy into the room for interrogation. Personally, I've never seen detailed pictures of the bearing failures that we all hear about. Anybody seen similar failures in terms of bearing damage?
Sam
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