Thread: BBC Pilot Bearings basics...

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Are they all pretty much standard? I am looking for a needle bearing one for my 454. My buddy has one for me, but not sure if its right...He says it out of LS1. I googled this topic without finding much helpfull info.

Obviously, I am assuming custom size ones can be purchased.

Obviously, I am assuming custom size ones can be purchased.

I don't think so. I've never seen custom sized pilot bearings.

SBC (Gen I and Gen II) and LBC (MK IV, V, VI) pilot bearings are the same. I think the LS engines are the same, but can't verify.

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...ew=1&N=700+150+

you know what happens when I "assume"...?
Thx Henry

Personally, I much prefer the bushings rather than the roller bearings. They're tougher and will still work when half worn out. Rollers on the other hand are more fragile and once they start to go, you have no choice but to pull the trans and replace them.

hmmmm....Maybe I should go with the bushing????

I have it apart right now and figure now is the time to do the right thing, since they are so cheap...

hmmmm....Maybe I should go with the bushing????

That's what I would do / have always done.

I've always ran a bushing, never had a bit of trouble with them. Check the fit of the new busing on the input shaft before you install it in the crank. My parts guy at NAPA gets me bushings that are oil impregnated bronze?, or some such thing... They last forever....

yes run oil impregnated bronze there cheap and last for a long time

I, too, support the use of the bushing. I put a needle bearing one in a big block, and it went sour and boogered the input shaft; dressed and polished the input shaft and it still measured ok, but had a few marks in it, installed a new bushing, and it was still running and being worked hard several years later.

Yup, bushing, not needle bearing. The needle bearing seems like a complex answer to a question that no one asked. When the clutch is disengaged is the only time there's any difference between input shaft and engine RPM anyway, so a bushing works just fine.

Bob

Oil impregnated bronze, Oilite, pilot bearings are my preference. Those roller ones lose their lube after a while and squeal. The Fords use needle bearing pilots but why would you want to make your Chevy more like a Ford?