Small end replacement if 30k on the clock

[nerosdad]

Hi fellow Porsche enthusiasts.

We are getting really stuck into my SC rebuild, she had 35,000 on the clock and after stripping the engine basically to combat (oxidation and oil weeping) the metal work stacks up (thank goodness) but...
Faced with what look like very very good condition big and small end bearings would you replace as a matter of course ?

I'm following the rather wonderful "how to rebuild and modify Porsche 911 engines 65-89" by Wayne Dempsey, but it definitely does not cater for engines like new (metals wise).

I'm not being tight here and happy to spend whatever is right but this all looks (almost) new.

So folks, what's the experiences, always replace small ends ? Or only if tolerance appears to be in question.
Do you always have a shop reseat heads to barrels, always replace valve guides and so on.
Imagine this car new, you would clean it up and reassemble.. but she is 35 years old
So it's honest, ask the people how know.

Thanks Dave Barnett

 

[Keith Hassett]

Hi, the thing to remember is that you can only replace the big end bearings by splitting the crankcase, whereas the small ends can be done without doing this. To be honest 35K miles is very low, so as long as the oil has been changed regularly the bearings should be ok.
Don't forget to lubricate the bearings and remove HT lead and turn the engine over a few times to get oil pressure up before starting the engine. Good luck.
Regards Keith Hassett