So, Im driving down the freeway heading for a rallycross this weekend and I hear this horrible rattling noise. I thought maybe I had something stuck on the bottom of my car.
I get off the freeway and while I am shifting the car grinds a little in third even though I have the clutch pedal pushed all the way in. The noise gets worse.
I pull over and the noise is still horrible even in neutral.

The clunking/clanking noises were so bad I felt sick to my stomach. I seriously wanted to vomit. Is this normal for an sr20? (just kidding).

So anyway, I got the car towed home. There was no smoke coming from the car, so I am hoping it is not the engine. The noise sounded like a large hunk of metal getting bashed around in my engine or tranny. Does this sound like any particular problem? I am thinking the clutch disintigrated or something.

What are the first steps? Drain the fluids and look for metal?

Anybody know of a good place to get used/imported trannies/engines for the sr20? Preferably a place you have done business with and not just heard of.

Thanks for any help.
--Eric

BTW,

what does a spun bearing sound/feel like? Bad I assume.

--Eric

thats shity :(

spun baring makes a knocking noise

Almost sound's like a clutch problem. Mabe you lost a spring outta the disk and it's stuck in there. I've seen it happen before.:(

Spun bearing I am told. I guess that's what I get for racing a car w/150K mi on it. any ideas on where to get a good used crankshaft? Or should i get it resurfaced if I can? Or should I spring for a VE? Any suggestions?

--Eric

might be cheaper just to get a new engine.

What makes you think it's a bearing?

Well,

I removed the belts to make sure it was not some other part and turned over the engine. The noise was still there.

I got a big socket and wrench to rotate the engine. With the spark plugs out, as the piston on the far right moves down, I can put a flat-ended socket driver in the spark plug hole and push down on the piston and feel an obvious movement/clunk.

I am quite sure it is a spun bearing. :( I think the clutch issue might have just been me freaking out.

Anyway, I think I am going to get an SR20VE (if I can find one) and rebuild and sell the SR20DE.

Thanks for all advice/help.
--Eric