Some time ago I posted a thread griping about a gawdawful engine knock in my ZZ-3 GM crate engine. You guys gave me lots of helpful hints, but they didn't pan out. I promised to report the results.

I pulled the engine and dug into it a couple of weeks ago. Turns out the thing had a busted (forged) crank between the rear two mains. When I pulled the main brg. cap between #5/6 and #7/8 journals, I found the bearing half on the cap side of the crank was missing. The bearing half was left out at the factory. No sign of it ever having been installed in the cap. It's a wonder it lasted 5,000 miles. I guess that also answers my low idle oil pressure problem!!

I took the busted back end of the crank, main cap and remaining half bearing to my local dealer's parts guys and they are going to see if they can get me some relief from GM (8 years after I bought the engine). From the looks of the parts, the problem is obvious. Will keep you posted on any results.

Dave