MAIN

ROD

Anybody know the quality of these?

 

Not bad, just not the best. Bi-metal Aluminum good conformability, decent load carrying capacity, fair temp resistance. Not Clevite 77 Tri-Metal bearings, but servicable. Are you grinding the crank? Not a name brand bearing, so they are not cutting edge, but what is for a SBC as far as bearings go? How much are you saving? What are you doing with the car? How fast are you turning the engine? For a stock or near stock, these are the equivalent of GM Moraine OEM bearings. Probably a good buy.

 

I have a set of the high end ones. Theyre made by King Engine Bearings. Theyre harder than the overlays of the typical tri-metal bearings, so in heavy load applications, they should offer longer life, at the expense of the crank journals. The embedability and conformability are less as well, so in marginal applications, they probably wont work as well.

Edit: On a side note, I think the bearings themselves are made in Israel where the company is located.

 

Great Information! I have read a lot about King Bearings. I have used one set in a MAZDA B2200 rebuild that I did a few months ago. The bearings looked fine. Did not realize that Summit brand was made by King. Thanks!

 

I can attest that the high end "performance" ones are. I would assume that the stock replacement ones are as well. But, could be wrong.

I just broke down my goodwrench 350, and it turns out that GM uses the bi-metal type as well. Made by Clemex, though. Finish isnt anywhere near as nice as the Kings, which have a near mirror like finish on them. The bi-metal Al/Si ones do seem to stand up much better than the tri-metal ones. No wear at all.

 

Yes, GM used to use Moraine 400 which is a VERY GOOD bearing! M400s were the bearing of choice for GM Engines and were a Bi-Metal Al/Si construction. I have reused M400s in some engines! They were good bearings, too bad GM closed the plant that made them!

The "Clemex" is Clevite of Mexico. Goodwrench replacement engines generally come from the GM Mexico Engine plant. Those bearings do not look as good as the M400 or the Kings!

I really hate to buy anything not USA made, but I will buy stuff from Israel, Australia, England, Germany and even Japan! I absolutely WILL NOT buy Chinese made crap unless it is IMPOSSIBLE to find another suitable part. I will pay twice as much to avoid Cheap Chinese Crap! Nothing but trouble if you buy their junk!