[Shotimes] Rod Bearing Change @190K miles

[bjshov8@comcast.net]

There has been speculation that the ATX does not allow the engine to "lug", and therefore reduces wear on the bearings.  With an MTX you can run the engine under load at real low rpm's which is what is theoretically bad for the bearings.


>  Just changed the connecting rod bearings at 190K miles on my wife's 1993 ATX.
> I think it was a waste of time! The bearings had very little wear. I just
> could not believe how clean the engine is! Only had a small oval patch of
> copper showing, maybe 1.5 or 2 inches long. Not even all the way across the
> bearing shell. We have had this car since 78K miles and have only used Mobil 1
> synthetic oil, changed at 5K intervals. The new rod bearings checked with
> plastiguage were right in the middle of the factory clearance range.
>  Maybe the ATX SHO's can go without changing the rod bearings? Even up to and
> over 200K miles?