Quote:
Originally Posted by BGTV8
Bearing death is usually due to sustained hi-rpm or oil starvation but oil consumption needs to be excessive and/or lateral G need to be significant for that to happen.
OP talks about "checking my oil" so I'm thinking that 8k miles he has burned enough oil for starvation to occur - probably as a consequence of a steep grade.
In any event, I'm calling this as a consequence of a lack of mechanical sympathy
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That is possibility that it got oil starved as even if he was on an extremely long intervals repeatedly (which 8k really isn't by today's standards) the engine still only has less than 100k. Seen plenty of others (not specifically 370z) doing extended intervals to the point of being abusive and using cheap *** conventional oils and they were not blowing bottom ends in less than 100k, most times you'll have sludge issues before you have worn bearings. So odds are more likely oil starvation and since American (most) and Japanese cars don't have oil level sensors, only a lot of German (not all) then it's really too late by the time the warning buzzer sounds.
So back to OP post. If it is just worn bearings and no cylinder wall damage you may be able to save your engine. It won't be cheap but cheaper than a new engine. Engine will have to be torn down and inspected and see if any crank journals are scored, then replace the bearings and check clearence with plasti gauge. In a perfect world you will always have the crank polished but in reality sometimes it is not done (e46 m3 conn rod bearings anyone?). At less than 100k your rings are probably still seating just fine but it would be wise to do a leak down test on all cylinder BEFORE you tear down the engine.