WHICH MAIN BEARINGS - Need opinions engine experts

[PaulRV6]

I am replacing all the bearings in my engine (for all those following from earlier post of having low oil pressure) but I have a questions about the mains. I read to use Federal Mogul P/N 107M but I also know to use 4263M (which I just took out). What is the difference?
What are your opinions on each? They are about twice the price, ouch. Thanks

I am using 1755M for the cam and 3755AP-1 for the rods.

paul

 

[Russ Merritt]

Engine Bearings

Clevite 77 engine bearings are as good as they get! Not to expensive either, mains-MS960P 35$ rods-CB1228P 24$ cam-SH1448S 14$. If your heart is set on federal mogul, they have a new wider rod bearing for the stock crank part # 6-3755 apa, could be worth checking out.

 

[PaulRV6]

C'mon guys, where \'s all the engine gurus when you need them.
Thanks Russ, I just thought that Federal Mogul was the way to go but maybe not.

That is why I am looking for recommendations.

paul

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Brgs?

Paul, wasn't it you that had the cam brg failure??? I'd look real close when replacing them so that the cam will rotate SMOOTHLY and not be tite. I always PULL them in w/ a special tool I made so they are not beat 1/2 to death B4 they even get used...
I also use a small, hi intensity flashlite, to look around each brg to see if it's straight in the bore. Shine the lite from the side opposite you are looking at. If the brg's crooked, you may see a light "leak" between the brg and block bore...
I'd also use the T/A cam brgs.. The others suggested for the rest of the engine seem OK, your preference...
Whatever cam brg used, be sure they are 1 piece.. not a wrapped shell.. You can tell if they are by looking for the parting line..
Check the cam like you do a crank.. Put it in a set of centers and check to see if it's bent!!

AND!! don't go for the min on clearances!! A bit low on PSI when idling is FINE!!!No work being done at idle!!

 

[Russ Merritt]

Dude they're all good, I just personally like the clevite 77. I also heard that federal mogul had a new 3/4 grooved main bearing coming out too! GM HIGH TECH performance just did an engine build on one of these (three part story, last three issues). It was good reading. They drilled out the center two main bearing feed holes to 3/8". I did some research and called them, and to do that they said I had to run the "big pump" (3-5 extra hp to turn) which I didnt want to do. (you don't have to run a giant oil pump!, especially on a street engine) Just keep the clearances tight .0015-.0002 on the mains, .0002 on the rods and you'll be fine with the stock pump. I just finished my engine about a month or two ago and oil press at idle is 20# off idle 60# WOT 70#. When you rebuild the pump (I used a melling) keep the end clearance .0002 to .0003 ths. Sometimes that's hard to do cause the gasket can be so thick! good luck, any more ques. ask!

 

[Intercooler]

Bearings?

These are about the best money can buy. These are H series with a Durabond Teflon coated cam bearing. I also have (2) sets of the 3/4 groove Federal Mogul mains in .010"/.010" I will let go cheaply. I have pics. Here is the H series and Teflon cam bearing thread: http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/sh...id=42003&highlight=teflon+coated+cam+bearings

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Oil pump??

Russ, there are gaskets of different thicknesses for setting the end clearence on the pump.. Fel pro makes them.. I have used both the .004 and the .007. There is another that's even thinner, but I have no source info...

 

[Intercooler]

TA Performance makes a full set of gasket thickness material for about $15.00. I picked up the kit just for this. If you place an order with them you may want to pick up an adjustable oil bypass regulator, nice piece!

 

[Russ Merritt]

Gasket thickness

Hey chuck, I did not know that. The gaskets I've used in the past were all .007- .009. Kennebell gaskets for the plate were thinner about .004. I guess ya learn somethin new everyday. Thanks!

 

[PaulRV6]

but back to my original question:

If I am using Fed Mogul, are the 107M (super duty alloy) mains really needed or do most use 4263M (steel backed alum alloy) for our engines?
Just don't want to throw money away if not needed.

Yes Chuck, it was me with cam brg failure and they were a little tight when I installed.

Where do you get these Durabond cam brgs?

paul

 

[Intercooler]

Summit, PBT or CVProducts.