Crank/Rod Bearings.. What kind?

[DraginX]

So I've done a search and didn't find much of a review of any of the different kinds, there are quite a few out there. ACL, King, Clevite, OEM, etc.
What kind do you guys suggest, I come from the Honda world where OEM is best. I've seen alot of people going with ACL, but would like to hear how people are doing with them. I'll be looking to make 500+ whp so I need something that can stand up. This will be on a 6bolt, stock crank.

 

[interex]

I vote Clevite. I have read about clearance issues not being exact with King. (don't shoot me)... I know there are a LOT of King and ACL fans but Clevite has proven itself in NHRA, NASCAR, for some time now.

 

[TSIfreek]

ACL race are the best on the market now.

 

[CPHunter]

ACL has higher Standards then Clevite

 

[TOONAH]

You might like to know that Clevite was bought out by Mahle.
I agree on ACL bearings, especially their 'Race Bearings', that do not have the final sintered layer. I like Mahle pistons, Eagle rods and stock cranks unless you want over 400 HP.

 

[interex]

You might like to know that Clevite was bought out by Mahle.
I agree on ACL bearings, especially their 'Race Bearings', that do not have the final sintered layer. I like Mahle pistons, Eagle rods and stock cranks unless you want over 400 HP.

Just so you know... Mahle bought out a little of ACL too, and is working on the rest. And, from reading it looks like the "Race Bearing" offers only .001 more oil clearance than the non race bearing, which could possibly hurt an engine with low oil pressure at idle.

Anyway, to each their own on parts. The debate between who runs what can get mighty heavy. Best advice is to go with what you feel is best by test comparison. Don't just see a few fan boys here and there who say 1 is better than the other. Check with how one handles pressure better than the other, check clearances, etc. If you're really worried about it, use undersized bearings and have your crank ground to match. A lot of racers do that but is it worth it for a daily driver? No...

 

[DraginX]

Oh I won't be jumping on a band wagon by no means. I more or less made this post to see who uses what and why. Does "x" use ACL because the tolerances are tighter, and "Y" uses Clevite because they can handle more heat, etc... That is what I would like to see out of this thread.
Any post that says use "XXXX" because they are the best will be ignored...

 

[My1GLaser]

I run ACL race bearings because they are tri-metal. They have a copper core and copper has extreme fatigue resistance, which is excellent for rods which undergo tremendous forces.

 

[crash89]

I like Mahle pistons, Eagle rods and stock cranks unless you want over 400 HP.

I was thinking of using this same setup, I just want to know what is stopping it from making more then 400 hp? Id like to make 350-400whp but who knows maybe by the time I get there Ill want more. But I wouldnt want to tear it back apart because my crank cant handle it. ya know?

 

[sb7775]

I have use all the mentioned bearings multiple times and never had a problem with any.

Steve

 

[DraginX]

I was thinking of using this same setup, I just want to know what is stopping it from making more then 400 hp? Id like to make 350-400whp but who knows maybe by the time I get there Ill want more. But I wouldnt want to tear it back apart because my crank cant handle it. ya know?

I'm not too worried about the stock crank they are beefy enough to take anything I will throw at it with this car.

 

[abyrd96]

I've searched forums and found a great deal on bearings. My crankshaft is completely shot. Where do I shop for a new crank?

 

[abyrd96]

I've searched forums and found a great deal on bearings. My crankshaft is completely shot. Where do I shop for a new crank?

Just as a follow up, I've called a couple places and am being told OEM cranks are not readily available and run around $600-650 and Eagle cranks are ~$720. Surely there is a much cheaper alternative to getting a crank of respectable quality!

 

[jjrock5]

Just so you know... Mahle bought out a little of ACL too, and is working on the rest. And, from reading it looks like the "Race Bearing" offers only .001 more oil clearance than the non race bearing, which could possibly hurt an engine with low oil pressure at idle.

Anyway, to each their own on parts. The debate between who runs what can get mighty heavy. Best advice is to go with what you feel is best by test comparison. Don't just see a few fan boys here and there who say 1 is better than the other. Check with how one handles pressure better than the other, check clearances, etc. If you're really worried about it, use undersized bearings and have your crank ground to match. A lot of racers do that but is it worth it for a daily driver? No...

So you're saying the ACL's RACE series only comes with the .001 extra oil clearance size? Because that is incorrect, they also offer the standard size bearings, in RACE series.

4G63 4G63T RACE Rod Bearings Set (2nd Gen. standard clearances) for RODS

4G63 4G63T RACE Main Brgs Set(2nd gen. w/ standard clearances) for MAINS

 

[slowgsr]

I was thinking of using this same setup, I just want to know what is stopping it from making more then 400 hp? Id like to make 350-400whp but who knows maybe by the time I get there Ill want more. But I wouldnt want to tear it back apart because my crank cant handle it. ya know?

Stock engine is good for 500whp, 135ish traps.. Depending on how you do it.

I just put together an engine, weisco 9:1's, turbo tuff rods etc.. I used the ACL race bearings.

The crank was polished and mic'd perfectly.. The bearing clearance was spot on, all around. Rod/Main.

This was after a line hone.

ACL's are awesome.

Goodluck.

 

[crash89]

Sounds like a plan to me! What is the difference between regular bearings and race bearings? Ive heard that race bearings go out way fast.. I take it that isnt the case?

 

[DSMGraveyardinc]

Hey, Well, I see you are planning on 500+ WHP. If you do go with a race bearing (H Bearing) plan on replacing them every race season, or 2 seasons of street driving. ( This is just our general estimate of life).

H Bearings are HARD, and they don't take grit easy. BUT they transfer HEAT into you block way way better than the regular bearings. Hard bearings are not easy on crankshafts, but for racing, they are needed to dissipate heat better. ( This is to my knowledge, and how we understand it, I have heard that they are really soft and need to be replaced due to that also. )

Your Regular bearings on the other hand, do in-bed grit, so you don't ruin your crank, or burn up the bearing with a small bit of grit or metal shaving going threw. This is good for longevity, and can protect the crank. BUT as for heat transfer, not as good as the H Bearings.

Most Stage 1 and 2 builds (Sometimes 3) we use Standard bearings, instead of race, because the customers want a engine that will not need to be tinkered with ever so often. ACL Race makes a great bearing but only for its application. Clevite 77 makes a great bearing, but only for its application.

500WHP is up there, but I would ask myself what I plan on doing with the motor, and how I want everything to work. ( Also, it would matter on my engine on what crankshaft I was using. If an expensive one, I would go with a more forgiving bearing, than if a stock less expensive one I could replace easier)

Good luck with the decision!

PS.. I really like King compared to ACL for the standard bearings ACL has a blue coating on the back that I think is not well for heat transfer to the block, and it likes to hang on the block journal during install.


Jon

 

[donniekak]

I have used many different brands of bearing, acl, king, clevite, even part store "engine tech" in a pinch. I have never had a bearing related failure. If the rod big ends, main bores, and crank are in spec any bearing should work fine for a non-spectacular (-500hp) build. As jon from the graveyard mentioned, superhigh performance situations call for some comprimises. An 800hp 4g is going to need some extra clearance and heat transfer, compared to a normal (3-400hp) build that is expected to last 100k. The trade off in super high performance engines, is that they aren't going to explode the first time they see 800hp, but they aren't put together to run 100k miles either, there is a difference.

 

[MichaelSuch]

I had used ACL race bearings in one previous build, after 87 miles I had to tear down the engine and the bearings were scratched and didn't look too good for being the most expensive bearings on the market, this might have been caused from something else, but when I drained oil there were zero metal shavings. With my most recent build I used Clevite bearings and have more than 3,000 miles on them so far and no issues.

To me, bearings are bearings there is no difference as long as the clearance is sufficient, tri-metal bearings are supposed to be better though so if you have the money get ACL race bearings. I don't think this is a subject to lose any sleep over though.

 

[98GSt_4life]

I've been running acl race bearings in my car for the past 24,000 miles and when I pulled the motor they still look good and the clearance on all of them were well within spec.

 

[16G1G4G63Talon]

im runnin acl race and i love them, they raise the standard compared to mahle and tend to last a hell of alot longer

 

[DraginX]

Well I had a set of new ACL Race bearings bought on here and after waiting for 2-3 weeks the guy sent my the money back and wouldn't reply back to me why. So I found another new set of Clevite 77 for a very reasonable price. After some setbacks (shattered my wrist) I think I might just put my ARP mains and head studs in my spare block and run stock internals. I'll use this summer to get the setup running and together, then put my built bottom in the following year.
I think I'll be happy with the Clevite bearings I've asked some local shops/racers and I've gotten a lot of good feedback on them.