the car has 85,785 miles, it was fairly well maintained judging by the service history. there is a slight whirring noise coming from the torque tube, not screeching like I've heard in others but a sort of pleasant whirring. I figure the screeching will come next and that will be when I replace the tube. The car has 3 bar of idle oil pressure when hot and otherwise runs great. The shavings were small shards and looked a bit like bearing material
the plug otherwise just had brown slime residue from the old oil that sat in the engine 3 years in storage (I wasn't the first person who started the car so don't think I'm THAT dumb to not replace TB before even starting, but if this isn't a serious issue that is the very next thing on to-do list). I know I'll need to check for play on the crankshaft now and release flexplate pressure. If this is indeed some thrust bearing, knowing what else I've stated, what are any assumptions you may have on whether this engine is already damned just form any shavings being found or is this "acceptable" given mileage and otherwise seemingly fine condition of engine- provided crankplay is within spec. Thanks!