rail2k

iTrader: (1)

at what performance level are the performance style bearings needed my motor is a lq9 n/a shooting for 475rwhp just wandering befor i buy the sealed power units from local auto parts store?

gMAG

iTrader: (1)

I just replaced mine as well, and didn't know how to choose when confronted with stock or 'race' type King bearings.
I called these people to verify type of bearings. The guy explained the variables, and I ended up buying stock for my roughly 400hp engine.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-Pontia...72008665356959

rail2k

iTrader: (1)

thanks for the reply thats a great price for those bearings. I appreciate it a lot

s porter

iTrader: (2)

FWIW, I would run an alum bearing such as the King...

gMAG

iTrader: (1)

I liked their manufacturing process, which, according to King, their inner bearing surface (babbit) is thicker than other brands.
This allows that surface to endure more punishment by being able to absorb larger bits of metal, if need be.

RezinTexas

what kind of tools do you use to measure clearance with aluminum bearings?

Thumper28

iTrader: (4)

I'm about to purchase some rod bearing myself. Was looking at Clevite but I think I'll take a look at the kKng bearings.

If you want an easy and inexpensive way to check bearing clearance get some plastigage. They sell it at summit and I'm sure a bunch of other shops. It's a plastic wire that you install between the bearing and the journal during a dry fit. The plastic squishes flat and it comes with a gauge that relates the width of the squished plastic to a diametral clearance.

hcb1700

iTrader: (9)

That's a good deal for bearings. I think i'm going to try those as well, but can people who've used these bearings provide more input about the please? Don't mean to high jack your thread op, but we're both in the same boat.

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

Keep in mind, with plastigauge, it is only accurate to the thousandth. Your not going to be able to tell if you have .002 oil clearance or .0027.

Best way is to take everything to a machine shop including bearings, and have them set it up to your desired oil clearances.

DOHCsky

iTrader: (3)

Im using the clevite coated "hk" bearings in my turbo build. I priced buying their standard bearings and sending the to swain to have them coated (same coating) and the savings where minimal. part number: CB663HNK

RezinTexas

keep in mind that a standard dial bore gauge will likely leave gouges in aluminum bearings.

KCS

iTrader: (20)

Never seen that happen.

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

possibly, but I doubt it...there is no reason for your dial bore gauge to be anywhere near your bearings in the first place. so it's unlikely thats going to happen.

Me either...

gMAG

iTrader: (1)

Plastigage is just ok for a ballbark figure.
You place a strip of it on the crank lobe, where the bottom of the rod cap would line up.
But it does not measure roundness, or the clearance at the top or sides of the rod.
Just wanted to note this.

91sonomast

A lot of engine builders, high end engine builders are using King bearings lately, so that must say something for the brand, if they're good enough to go in $4-8k engines.

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

Anything going in 4 to 8k engines does not impress me. Stock crate engines are that much with stock bearings.

However, that being said, king makes some pretty good shat.

91sonomast

I'm hoping you mean like a diesel or supercharged Northstar or something for 8k.
If it's that expensive for a crate engine, rebuild it yourself.

RezinTexas

how do you measure clearance?

RezinTexas

probably depends on the bore gauge. mine probably would because it has very small ball ends and a strong spring force.

KCS

iTrader: (20)

How much preload do you set it up with?

I usually set up a gauge with maybe .004" preload, and I'll usually see lines in the bearing surface from the fingers, but I wouldn't call them gouges.