What bearings? Big ends and mains

[Stoffa]

Ok, It hasn't been talked about for a while so just wondering what people have used and recommend.

I'm thinking genuine but $600+ is pretty pricey, are they that much better than ACL Race?

I know not a foz used some cheapies from STA that came highly recommended.

[smokn4]

also interested ???

[wrx_lou]

Yeah I was also recomended the same ones Not_a_foz used.

NDC about $110 for the the full set (main and BEB). Have been told they appear to be made in the same factory as the genuine ones.

[nt_a_foz]

Yeah genuine were rediculous price and was highly recommended the NDC .

Most builders seem to say they dont use ACL anymore or dont like to use them ay?

[Guest boostin]

I'm using ACL's. The full set cost me less than a set of genuine big ends.

It's done over 30k now, dets like crazy if there's a bit too much boost up it, but still going strong.

[wrx_lou]

Up until I actualy had to make the decision on what ones to use I was under the impression that ACL were used because they were a better alternative to geniune. But have since been told that they are a cheaper alternative. Not nessesarily of lesser quality but I have heard a few horror stories involving them. In saying that though, I have heard of alot more people using them without issues.

[ReubenH]

I went with genuines. If you're happy to rebore the cyls, buy brand new pistons, recon the heads etc, wtf are yah doing going cheap on bearings, get genuine.

If i were doing a cheap rebuild, with used pistons etc, that sorta thing, yes i would go cheap aftermarket.

[wrx_lou]

I think the point is they haven't been proven to be any more reliable than aftermarket.

[Guest boostcut]

there is nothing wrong with acl. theres also nothing wrong with genuine.

any bearing will fail regardless of what you paid for it, if tolerances are not correct or a lack of oil.

it doesnt matter how much you love your engine, genuine isnt always best,

[Guest]

It comes down to the engine builders preference. But acl race has been in many high performance subaru builds over the years. They are a proven product.

If you believe the blurb they are stronger than OEM and also that ACL manufactures the Cosworth bearings.

As above tho no oil or det will kill anything.

Most rebuilds go with aftermkt pistons and rods so i don't see the problem going aftermkt

[marc]

 boostcut said:

there is nothing wrong with acl. theres also nothing wrong with genuine.

any bearing will fail regardless of what you paid for it, if tolerances are not correct or a lack of oil.

it doesnt matter how much you love your engine, genuine isnt always best,

Thats what it comes down to really. but on the whats better its really hard to say as there is no SOLID proof. (like 2 identical motors run on engine dynos in a room at the same time one acl one genuine nw that wud be interesting) Using brand new cranks and rods+ oil pupm nd sht so no1 can blame lol. Ive been using ACL Race for a while now and never had issues. Tolerances and oil flow+ oil type makes the world of difference when it comes to bearings! Btw my motor gets a fair bit of s*** and on 20psi with a Garrett attached too!.

[Stoffa]

Ok I've finally been given possible reason why people dont like ACL Race.

Got told by a guy thats had quite a few race engines built that ACL bearings scuff up easier than genuine ones, he uses them in his race engine still but recommended genuine for a street engine that doesn't get rebuilt as often.

I've been told in the past ACL are alot harder than genuine so they take a bit more abuse but when they do let go they can cause more damage due to being harder.

[marc]

once a bearing lets go the cranks screwd anyway as far as im concerned and most subaru bilders ive talkd to.. They get scratched up easier because yes they are harder, Genuine shells are softer so tend to "imbed" the forign material in the shell rather then scratch or mark the shell/crank then spit it out. So yeah depends what your doing i spoze and how good u service it oil and filter quality and things like new oill cooler after rebuild ect.

[funkytown]

genuine in mine stoffa, for the hardness reasons rick said.. mine thus far are coping fine.

agree with its your engine builder i would be listening to

[Guest]

LOLz genuine bearings aint always the best, just look at all the engines on here that done big ends

Comes down to the builder and his measurements aswell

but I have read somewhere ( cant remember ) that the ACL made a bad batch of bearings where it failed prematurity, this was a couple years ago if i can remember

[gotasuby]

I am using ACL race and have been for 2 years and 40,000kms. they have been fine with all the det and boost i have thrown at it 30+ psi when my boost control failed while tuning.

i do an oil and filter change every 4-5000 though but i do give my car absoulte shit when i drive. bouncing off the limiter when i lose tracion etc

its still holding together (touch wood).

[Stoffa]

My builder was fine with ACL but said Genuine is better.

Still going to use genuine I think, just wondering what people think.

Still got a serious lack of funds to finish the build anyway

[Guest]

If you want a softer bearing material - acl also do a "normal" softer version.

I doubt subaru makes their bearings - most likely outsourced to another supplier

ACL at one time supplied ford and mitsi

Mahle is another option

[Koom]

Out of interest, where would one be able to procure a set of NDC bearings from?

Also if you like to spend money, can always buy Cosworth bearings. I doubt they'd risk their name with a bad product.

Has anyone tried Clevite?

[wrx_lou]

Koom: You can get NDC from STA parts.

[wrx_lou]

 Qwerty said:

I doubt subaru makes their bearings - most likely outsourced to another supplier

The tuner who recomended NDC to me told me he had them side by side with geniune and found they were virtualy identical. He remarked that he wouldnt be at all suprised if they were made in the same factory.

[Guest boostcut]

ndc make bearings for nismo..... bit of useless info there...

[Tony]

 Koom said:

Also if you like to spend money, can always buy Cosworth bearings. I doubt they'd risk their name with a bad product.

Word on the *street* is that Cosworth bearings are made by ACL... although it seems there is a bit of a shortage these days as ACL as went into recievership a couple of months or so ago . We were wondering if that was why they couldnt supply the bearings for BT's stroker kit - he had to go with genuine subaru bearings instead.

[nt_a_foz]

Stoffa has some interesting info on this topic for you all.

I was tlaking to him on the phone today.

No doubt hel post up later.A

I cant even remember what it was now haha but it was interesting

[Stoffa]

haha, munter

I gave my engine builder a call about the NDC bearings, he said most japanese built engines have them as original equipment, he said he's used them before and never had any problems. after I told him the price he said I should definatly be buying them over genuine subaru ones as they probably are made in the same factory.