Bearing Clearance

[rfmaster]

This an age old question - how much bearing clearance should you run in street driven 350 SBC. One common recommendation is:
Rod bearings 0.0020 - 0.0025" , side clearance 0.010 - 0.020"
Main bearings 0.0020 - 0.0030"
Crankshaft end play 0.005 - 0.007 crankshaft end play

I am in a process of putting a budget 350 (880 block, 1peice RMS)

Micrometer: Mitutoyo 103-217 (2 to 3", 0.0001 resolution)
Bearings: King Bearing 557SI (STD and -001)

Mains Measured Plasti-Gauge Plasti-Gauge
103-217 | STD | -001
M1: 2.4500 | 0.002 | n/a
M2: 2.4495 | 0.003 | 0.002
M3: 2.4495 | 0.003 | 0.002
M4: 2.4495 | 0.003 | 0.002
M5: 2.4490 | 0.003+ | 0.002 to 0.0015 (Probably 0.0018)

Rods
R1/2 2.0995 TBD (to be determined)
R3/4 2.0995
R5/6 2.0995
R7/8 2.0995

Crank thrust movement: 0.005 to 0.007 depending how hard I pry my bar

So I am going with mix set of main bearings - on the mains I am keeping #1 STD and 2 through 5 -0.001" based on platigauge indication. My only concern that #5 Main is a bit on tight side:0.0018"

Comments regarding #5 being a bit tight....

//RF