I dont think so.
I need some help and/or direction from any engine guys on here. Going to put alot of information out here, sorry for the long post, just want anything that can help, to have all the info.
I had a brand new engine made for 600HP 4.6 2v,
vortech v3 blower 8 psi. 1000 miles in and the "rear thrust bearing is toast, the crank is walking, the oil was very black). I did the first oil change at 200 miles as per the engine shop (also installers).
Initially the engine builders are blaming the transmission or torque converter. Ive ran this transmission and brand of torque converter for the life of the car. 2 STOCK motors over 5 years. The Torque converter was sent to Andre and Refurbished new, for the new motor/install).
Stock Motor - Blew a head gasket on a used motor i had installed. Lasted 8 months, but had my first DYNO tune on it.
Stock Motor -Blew lifer/rod - lasted 5 years of complete beating on it with over heating, tuned too lean, tuned to rich, etc.. it took alot of the growing pains.
Ive never heard of a thrust bearing until now and Im not an engine guy at all.
The transmission is a custom rebuilt level4 upgrade from Darrin at BCA (god father of these transmissions).
Torque converter is a custom 2800 high stall from Andre Edge Racing.
I did buy an upgraded flex plate to go with the new engine/TC (383724 - SR Performance High Performance Flexplate - 164 Tooth, 6 Bolt (96-98 GT; Late 01-10 GT))
I feel like the engine was starved of oil... if so what other things might I look for then just the rear thrust bearing being bad? would there be a sure sign inside the motor that it was starved for oil? I say this cause the engine was always running hotter then any stock motor did at high way speeds. I feel like something with higher RPM or speeds was not getting enough oil through this new build.
The torque converter will be pulled and sent back to the builder for inspection.
I reached out to multiple transmission and engine legends and they all lean towards an install issue with the Torque converter spacing. The build sheet from the engine builders look good, they are top notch guys. Im leaning towards they did everything right engine wise. but maybe the new oil pump failed. or I dont really have any clue. I know a stock motor never had this issue with my setup.
Im out of time and my mental health is taking a toll. Any help is appreciated. Anything that might point me or them in a direction.
Heres what some of the professionals said with out seeing it or having anything torn down.
Darrin BCA transmissions - My Transmission builder. Definitely not the trans. Strongly thinks its not the Torque Converter itself, possibly install issue.
Eric S. - 4r70w transmission expert builder - The transmission has its own thrust washer between the pump and the rest of the internals and the pump is rigidly mounted to the transmission case. The only part that sticks out of the pump is the input shaft, which engages in the torque converter. The only way a transmission can damage the engine crank shaft is if the torque converter failed and Balloons. This rarely happens on Factory torque converters because they have built in anti-ballooning plates installed. It is known to happen on some of the less expensive aftermarket converters that are cheaply made. I would say its more likely they messed something up during the engine build.
Andre EdgeRacingConverters - My Torque Converter builder - Strongly thinks its not the torque converter. From the size and anti-ballooning plate. Plus ran his TCs for years on stock motors no issues while boosted.. Need to inspect thrust bearing for wear on the front or back side
Andrew Lavender - Youtube 4.6 2V engine expert - Everything looks good on the build sheet and they appear to be good builders. Does not believe it was the trans/TC. Was the converter was spaced correctly?
Jordan ModularHeadShop - 4.6 2V engine expert - Typically a thrust bearing issue is caused by improper torque converter to flex plate clearance. Do you know if that was checked and / or recorded during installation?
Steve - PowerTrainDynamics tuner/dyno guy recommended by CPR - This could be an installation problem. The Torque converter connects to 2 splined shafts and the oil pump. If the torque converter is not installed correctly, it will stick out a small amount and push against the crankshaft. This can destroy the thrust bearing. At this point, the transmission should be removed and the crankshaft thrust bearing checked. You may need to remove the engine oil pan.