whats the best rod and main bearings for the street? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tranz am · 05-25-2010, 11:16 PM

Ive been going around in circles trying to figure out what rod and main bearings I should get for my 350 build. I first turned to my engine building book called ("small block chevy performance vol 1") and it says that i should look for a strong bearing with surface behavior a secondary consideration.
It tells me that Federal Mogal AP bearings, TRW CL-77 bearings, and GM Moraine 400 bearings are the best choice for strength but they require frequent oil changes because of poor embedability.
in the very next paragraph it says that for a pure drag race-race application the best bearing consideration is one with embedability and lists the best bearings ALREADY MENTIONED FOR STREET, Moraine 400 bearings, and federal Mogal AP bearings.
So basically it just contradicts itself leaving the question totally unanswered.
I searched all over the net only to find no real "best suited street bearing". So now i turn to u guys for advise.
thanks.

tranz am · 05-25-2010, 11:29 PM

So far Ive found,
tri metal copper-lead alloy,
aluminum alloy,
Duroshield coated alloy, H14,
Bi metal silicon aluminum,
Tri metal, TM-77,
Bi metal aluminum alloy
Alecular silicon,
Lead indium,
Tri metal copper-lead nickel

thats a lot of different materials to chose from???

so far Im leaning towards these.
Federal Mogul Z82555CP10 - Federal Mogul CP-Series Rod Bearings
and
Federal Mogul Z4663M10 - Federal Mogul Main Bearing Set
they both have the classic Tri metal copper-lead alloy.

they are cheap so its questionable weather these can handle 400+ hp

1968SWBBigBlock · 05-26-2010, 08:47 AM

Look at king brand bearings
http://www.kingbearings.com/
speak with the tech guys at king bearings - they seem to have the best bearings on the market currently

GASoline71 · 05-26-2010, 09:49 AM

Clevite 77's have been the standard for years. I never really worried all that much about bearings. My machine shop always included them in a rebuild... and they've always been Clevites's.

Gary

tranz am · 05-26-2010, 11:06 AM

I'll look into both of those. thanks guys

tranz am · 05-26-2010, 12:43 PM

I took a look Clevite 77's and it looks like they are fully grooved bearings. Im trying to stay away from those because I hear that they wear quicker and arnt quite as strong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASoline71

Clevite 77's have been the standard for years. I never really worried all that much about bearings. My machine shop always included them in a rebuild... and they've always been Clevites's.

Gary

GASoline71 · 05-26-2010, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranz am

I took a look Clevite 77's and it looks like they are fully grooved bearings. Im trying to stay away from those because I hear that they wear quicker and arnt quite as strong.

Don't overthink this... I have used those bearings in engine rebuilds for over 25 years... and have never had a bearing failure that was the bearings fault. Always from lack of oil, or other mechanical faliure...

From street/strip engines, to bone stockers... no probs.

Gary

ProStreet68SB · 05-26-2010, 01:02 PM

Put in another vote for king bearings. Thats what i'll be putting in my pretty wicked budget small block

GASoline71 · 05-26-2010, 01:06 PM

Don't get me wrong... I'm not sayin' that Clevite's are the "best" bearing out there... but for a street driven daily driver... your options for bearings are pretty easy to choose.

Gary

Camaro_nut2001 · 05-26-2010, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASoline71

Clevite 77's have been the standard for years. I never really worried all that much about bearings. My machine shop always included them in a rebuild... and they've always been Clevites's.

Gary

X2 on the Clevite's but I buy my own and install my own after the machine work.

hatchaddict · 05-26-2010, 10:40 PM

i use king bearing also i started using them im my honda engines that i spin to 9700 rpm and have never had a bearing failure. go to king site and read about there bearings and compare them to others and see what you think. iused to use clevite in my sbc builds till i discoverd king

Beuford · 05-26-2010, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camaro_nut2001

X2 on the Clevite's but I buy my own and install my own after the machine work.

x3 on the Clevite's. I've been building engines for years and always use them in my own. Sometimes people bring me a rebuild kit and say they want something else and since it's their money I put whatever they want in.

Bob 68327 · 05-26-2010, 11:27 PM

I have spun my Clevite's 7500 many many times with no problem and I make over 400 hp. I also used them in my drag car for years.. My 2 cents....

trusty72 · 05-26-2010, 11:35 PM

i say king also but honestly on a street engine any good one will do, look at the engines in my sig and profile they both have Kings in them and after 100 drag strip passes they usually look like new.

Jacfourteen · 05-26-2010, 11:36 PM

another vote for clevites

GASoline71 · 05-27-2010, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camaro_nut2001

X2 on the Clevite's but I buy my own and install my own after the machine work.

Me too... I have just always got my engine rebuild kits from my machine shop guy... he just tosses everything in a box for me, and away I go to put it together myself.

Gary

05-25-2010, 11:16 PM	#1
tranz am Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 586	whats the best rod and main bearings for the street? Ive been going around in circles trying to figure out what rod and main bearings I should get for my 350 build. I first turned to my engine building book called ("small block chevy performance vol 1") and it says that i should look for a strong bearing with surface behavior a secondary consideration. It tells me that Federal Mogal AP bearings, TRW CL-77 bearings, and GM Moraine 400 bearings are the best choice for strength but they require frequent oil changes because of poor embedability. in the very next paragraph it says that for a pure drag race-race application the best bearing consideration is one with embedability and lists the best bearings ALREADY MENTIONED FOR STREET, Moraine 400 bearings, and federal Mogal AP bearings. So basically it just contradicts itself leaving the question totally unanswered. I searched all over the net only to find no real "best suited street bearing". So now i turn to u guys for advise. thanks. __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht Last edited by tranz am; 05-25-2010 at 11:18 PM.

05-25-2010, 11:29 PM	#2
tranz am Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 586	Re: whats the best rod and main bearings for the street? So far Ive found, tri metal copper-lead alloy, aluminum alloy, Duroshield coated alloy, H14, Bi metal silicon aluminum, Tri metal, TM-77, Bi metal aluminum alloy Alecular silicon, Lead indium, Tri metal copper-lead nickel thats a lot of different materials to chose from??? so far Im leaning towards these. Federal Mogul Z82555CP10 - Federal Mogul CP-Series Rod Bearings and Federal Mogul Z4663M10 - Federal Mogul Main Bearing Set they both have the classic Tri metal copper-lead alloy. they are cheap so its questionable weather these can handle 400+ hp __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht Last edited by tranz am; 05-25-2010 at 11:43 PM.

05-26-2010, 08:47 AM	#3
1968SWBBigBlock Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,643	Re: whats the best rod and main bearings for the street? Look at king brand bearings http://www.kingbearings.com/ speak with the tech guys at king bearings - they seem to have the best bearings on the market currently __________________ 1968 SWB 454 + .040, 490HP x 540 FT pounds of Torque 10-1 Kb Forged pistons, recon rods w/ ARP wave loc bolts 781 heads Ported with 2.19/1.88 SSTvalves Lunati 60204 cam, Micro Trol lifters, Ported Edelbrock Performer Rpm manifold armor coated, Pertronix Triple Strike Ignition Holley 770 Street Avenger carb,Headers armor coated Built by Watson Ruppel Performance in Sarahsville Ohio. Hardshift Tranny Built Turbo 350,TSI 10" 3000 stall 12 Bolt Eaton Posi 4.10 Richmond Gears moser axles 18.5" x 31" Hoosier Pro Street Radials ET Classic 5 Wheels - polished Power Steering, Power Brakes,Disc Brakes,Tach & Gauge Dash, Tilt,Factory Air (gone) Custom Paint & Body Work Special thanks to my wife, my son and my money tree

05-26-2010, 11:06 AM	#5
tranz am Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 586	Re: whats the best rod and main bearings for the street? I'll look into both of those. thanks guys __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht

05-26-2010, 01:02 PM	#8
ProStreet68SB The Engine Whisperer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 770	Re: whats the best rod and main bearings for the street? Put in another vote for king bearings. Thats what i'll be putting in my pretty wicked budget small block

05-26-2010, 10:40 PM	#11
hatchaddict Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: pittsburgh, pa Posts: 184	Re: whats the best rod and main bearings for the street? i use king bearing also i started using them im my honda engines that i spin to 9700 rpm and have never had a bearing failure. go to king site and read about there bearings and compare them to others and see what you think. iused to use clevite in my sbc builds till i discoverd king

05-26-2010, 11:27 PM	#13
Bob 68327 72 Chevelle Club Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Newton , Iowa Posts: 2,052	Re: whats the best rod and main bearings for the street? I have spun my Clevite's 7500 many many times with no problem and I make over 400 hp. I also used them in my drag car for years.. My 2 cents.... __________________ I Have The Right To Remain Silent,But Lack The Ability 1972 Chevelle ... Mine 2006 Trailblazer... Hers 2002 Buick century ... Kids 2002 K1500 Z-71 EXT CAB ... Daily Driver 2005 Rockwood Roo ... For Camping 1974 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 84'' stroker

05-26-2010, 11:35 PM	#14
trusty72 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: ft smith arkansas Posts: 131	Re: whats the best rod and main bearings for the street? i say king also but honestly on a street engine any good one will do, look at the engines in my sig and profile they both have Kings in them and after 100 drag strip passes they usually look like new. __________________ 1972 super cheyenne 1970 Suburb

05-26-2010, 11:36 PM	#15
Jacfourteen Big Red - Now its a SWB! Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, Ca Posts: 1,624	Re: whats the best rod and main bearings for the street? another vote for clevites __________________ 68 3/4 ton (Project)-350 Small Block, .030 over, 10:1 comp, 3998993 heads, C3BX edelbrock intake, comp cams XE268, Holley 670 SA, long tube headers, dual flow 40's, E-fan, Alum rad, currently under the knife getting shortened and bagged build thread 41 3/4 ton (wife's)-flatbed, fully restored to original 01 Tahoe LT 4WD (my daily driver)-Magnaflow Muffler, Rollin on 22's 02 Ford Mustang Convertable (Wife's Car)-Flowmaster 50, Clear corners, Intake, sittin on 18's

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