I have a 91 C1500 Silverado with 273,000 miles on the clock. I'm running the 5.7L 350 with a 700R4 Trans. I'm getting ready to change the timing chain and while I'm in there, I am going to replace the water pump and oil pan gasket. The truck runs perfect. There are no issues with the drive ability or how the engine runs. But since I'm in there, I am wondering if I should just replace the rod bearings while I'm there. Is there any downsides to doing this? Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

While you are changing the timing chain, change both sprockets also. It is alot more work to get to the rod bearings but as long as you have the pan off, I would do it. What is your oil pressure at idle and at running speed?

 

Yes, I didn't mention that I did buy the whole timing kit. So I have both sprockets. Oil pressure cold idle is at 60 and just a bit above 60 at 1500rmp. Warmed up idle is around 20-30 and stays around 50-60 at 1500rpm.

 

So, I am wondering, how do you move your pistons around while in the block with heads on? I''m a bit nervous as this is my only daily driver and I cannot mess this up.

 

Your oil pressure looks really good for 273,000 miles. You can put a socket with a long breaker bar on the bolt on the dampener and turn it slowly. Do one at a time. Take your time and don't rush and keep it all clean. Use assembly lube on the new bearings.

 

I have decided to just let it be. Bit to much at this point. I made a bit of of a mistake on the oil pressure. It's actually 45psi at 1500. Gotta wear my glasses more and more. : )

Thanks for your time and info.