main and rod bearing choice?

[Will L.]

My 43,000 mile Optimizer long block- I installed the new clevite cam bearings (lucky the #3 bearing damaged the cam but not the block- has GM crimp together cam bearing that failed). It will be going together pending new main and rod bearings- maybe. Main bearings look great, #1 rod bearing shows a bit of wear, all others look ok , but while crank is out and having been VERY disapointed in the cam bearings I don't know I can trust what is in there now.

I have always ran clevite in all my engines and never had bearing failure. Clevite is out of production run right now and I can't find anyone who actually stocks them, they all order as needed. What are the "site sponsors" (can't remebr term) I read about on a couple threads? Might they have some on hand?

I am thinking about sealed power as an option. Any input on you experiences would be appreciated.

 

[Twisted Steel Performance]

I like clevite myself.... I'v seen many of them on fleebay ......

 

[THEFERMANATOR]

I will NEVER run another SEALED POWER bearing again. I ran them twice, and BOTH times had a main bearing spin. Called up a local machine shop that does alot of exotic engine repairs and he said he sees it all the time with them. They try to stick aluminum babbit to the brass backing plate stuck to a steel shell, problem is the aluminum babbit doesn't adhere very well to the brass lining and they pull loose. And after my recent experience with CLEVITES I won't use them again either. Had 2 sets of cam bearings that were bad right out of the box and teh cam wouldn't even go in the block, and also had a rod bearing that the babbit peeled off of(7 were perfect while one had all the babbit gone). At the advice of the machine shop and several local engine builders, I now run ACL bearings. They are normally less money than CLEVITES, and I have yet to have a bad one or even a hint of a problem from one.