Engine bearings: full or half groove?

[madmax2]

I look in the Clevitte site that they recommend the half groove bearings, in others books and board recommend the full groove.

When should I use each?

Thanks !

[namvet67a1f]

THIS might be a good topic to "chat" about. The half groove will put less oil up to the rod bearings and UP on the cylinder walls and into the cavities of the block.

Is all that oil necessary? ... probably not but it depends on your application.

TOOOOO much oil pressure is an error that many people make(me included - in the past) ...all that does it cost horsepower by driving the oil pump overly ...and putting too much oil on the cylinder walls AND by driving the pistons/rods/crank assembly through all that oil mist and droplets.

[pishta]

Half groove bearings hold up better, more surface area and require less oil volume and generally are better for lower RPM motors, street type stuff. Full groove needs higher oil volume and wear faster as the surface area is reduced, but do cut parasitic drag a percentage but throw alot more oil so a windage tray or a crank scraper is recommended. I use 1/2 in my motor but its a street motor.

[rumblefish360]

I have to ask if this is a going to be a well built race car or what you have in your sig. If it is a street ride, the half groove and a replacement oil pump will do well in many street and HI-PO combos.

[Charrlie_S]

It all depends on the engine, the build, and the usage. On my slant six engines, I like full groove mains, and since they are not available out of the box, I make my own. I do not run a high volume oil pump, not even on my turbo motor. The stock aftermarket pump has enough volume. Before using full groove mains, I did have some problems with rod bearings.

[namvet67a1f]

C S ...what do you run for oil pressure ?

[Paul Precht]

I use the 3/4 groove mains, Paul.

[Dart 65]

I prefer the full groove sets, though they're cost prohibitive. You can buy two sets and use the two full groove sides. I figure it's cheap insurance.

[daryl2399]

Its been my experence that any high performance small block that you are going to turn a constant rpm needs full groove. I by 2 sets because I have not been able to find a full groove bearing. Half should be good for a street aplication.

[adodgemann]

I bought the full groove bearings from www.manciniracing.com/ they carry them in stock. Great company to deal with, good prices, same day shipping.