The ultimate bearing thread - Race vs Standard?
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Honda-Tech Member
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The ultimate bearing thread - Race vs Standard?
Hi,
I've seen a lot of different and conflicting information over the years about bearing brands and models and I would like to clear some of that information up and have a thread for future reference. Any sensible arguments and personal experiences are welcome.
1 - Are "Race" bearings (ACL, King, Clevite) actually harder (or softer?!) than OEM?
2 - What are the advantages of using a Race bearing instead of an OEM or OEM-style ones like ACL Aluglides, King Standard ("AM") and others? In what scenario are they recommended over standard?
3 - Is there any truth in the statement "Race bearings wear cranks" seeing that bearings usually don't come in actual contact with the crank and assuming the clearances are in factory spec.
4 - Is there any issue mixing and matching OEM bearings with non-race aftermarket bearings to get proper clearance while saving some money?
5 - In what spec do aftermarket bearings fall in the Honda chart?
ACL Aluglides - Green
ACL Race - Green
ACL Race HX - ?
King Standard - Green
King Race XP - Green or Red?
King Race XP X - ?
Clevite Standard - ?
Clevite Race - ?
I've seen a lot of different and conflicting information over the years about bearing brands and models and I would like to clear some of that information up and have a thread for future reference. Any sensible arguments and personal experiences are welcome.
1 - Are "Race" bearings (ACL, King, Clevite) actually harder (or softer?!) than OEM?
2 - What are the advantages of using a Race bearing instead of an OEM or OEM-style ones like ACL Aluglides, King Standard ("AM") and others? In what scenario are they recommended over standard?
3 - Is there any truth in the statement "Race bearings wear cranks" seeing that bearings usually don't come in actual contact with the crank and assuming the clearances are in factory spec.
4 - Is there any issue mixing and matching OEM bearings with non-race aftermarket bearings to get proper clearance while saving some money?
5 - In what spec do aftermarket bearings fall in the Honda chart?
ACL Aluglides - Green
ACL Race - Green
ACL Race HX - ?
King Standard - Green
King Race XP - Green or Red?
King Race XP X - ?
Clevite Standard - ?
Clevite Race - ?
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 65
Likes: 5
Re: The ultimate bearing thread - Race vs Standard?
1. Race type bearings are harder than OEM or their standard bearing types. Race bearings aren't meant to be used for Daily or street use. If contaminants reach the race bearings, from what I seen and read online, it will damage it. If it was a standard King or OEM bearing, it would be okay.
2. Obviously if this car is only seeing the track and you don't mind replacing bearings if needed, go with the race ones. I believe the race ones are stronger for use when it is going to be abused.
3. I dont' think a race bearing will wear a crank more than an oem or replacement bearing.
4. I think most people prefer to run all the same brand. If going oem, you can get all the correct sizes. If going aftermarket, most just grab the standard set and call it a day.
5. Most aftermarket bearings should be using or around the Green sizing.
Take a look at note 5. This can answer all your questions
FAQ - King Bearings - Engine Bearing specialist
2. Obviously if this car is only seeing the track and you don't mind replacing bearings if needed, go with the race ones. I believe the race ones are stronger for use when it is going to be abused.
3. I dont' think a race bearing will wear a crank more than an oem or replacement bearing.
4. I think most people prefer to run all the same brand. If going oem, you can get all the correct sizes. If going aftermarket, most just grab the standard set and call it a day.
5. Most aftermarket bearings should be using or around the Green sizing.
Take a look at note 5. This can answer all your questions
FAQ - King Bearings - Engine Bearing specialist
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