Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Do I need new main bearings?????

[myoldodge]

I am going to start up grading my early 98 12 valve that is completely stock. Hoping for end result of around 550 RWHP. Engine has 179,000 miles on it. Should I roll new main's in the bottom end??

 

[Texis]

IMHO, If it maintains a decent oil pressure at idle the mains are more than likely just fine.

 

[Midnite]

I didn't start upgrading my 1992 truck until it had a little over 180,000 miles on it and it was still running like a dream the day I sold it with about 230,000 miles on it.

Unless you have a specific reason to suspect you currently have a problem with the main bearings, I wouldn't give it a second thought.

 

[Shadrach]

Doing a bearing "roll in" in any Cummins is NOT standard practice like it is in Cat's and some other engines. Since it is not easy to drop the pan and look at them as long as your oil pressure is good- you can verify it with an external gauge if you wish- leave well enough alone. I assume you change your oil regularly. I have seen the bigger Cummins engines in semis with hundreds of thousands of miles on them and the bearing were still good. Shadrach