What is the purpose of the narrowed design on these bearings?

The narrowed design is intended for use with aftermarket connecting rods that may have a wider profile than stock. This ensures proper clearance and prevents the bearing from contacting the crankshaft fillet radius, which is important for engine longevity in performance applications.

Why is this bearing set 0.020 inch undersize?

This set is undersize to accommodate crankshaft journals that have been machined down by 0.020 inches. This is a common practice during engine rebuilding or performance builds to ensure proper bearing clearance when the crankshaft has been ground undersize.

What is the advantage of tri-metal construction?

Tri-metal bearings, like these from ACL, use three layers of different materials. This construction provides a strong steel backing for rigidity, a middle layer for embeddability and shock absorption, and a final overlay for wear resistance, making them well-suited for high-performance engines.

Specifications

Brand: ACL
Part #: 8B743HND-020

ACL Chevrolet V8 396-402-427-454 Narrowed Race Series with Dowel Engine Connecting Rod Bearing Set

Name: ACL Chevrolet V8 396-402-427-454 Narrowed Race Series with Dowel Engine Connecting Rod Bearing Set
Brand: ACL
SKU: acl-acl-chevrolet-v8-396-402-427-454-narrowed-race-series-with-dowel-engine-conn-t14-631214
Price: 144.78 USD
Availability: BackOrder

$144.78

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ACL Chevrolet V8 396-454 Narrowed Race Series connecting rod bearings. Set is 0.020 inch undersize.

Key Features

Fits 63+ vehicle make/model combinations.
Narrowed design for use with aftermarket connecting rods.
Tri-metal construction for strength and wear resistance.
0.020 inch undersize bearing set.
Includes dowels for proper bearing alignment.

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About this part

Product Details

ACL has been making engine bearings for decades, and this Narrowed Race Series connecting rod bearing set for your Chevrolet V8 is one of their staples. These bearings are built for performance applications, featuring a narrowed design that works well with aftermarket connecting rods and a special overlay material to handle the demands of higher horsepower engines. The set is also 0.020 inch undersize, which is important if you're re-machining your crankshaft journals to a specific size.

When you're building a performance engine, especially one with a larger displacement like the 396, 402, 427, or 454 cubic inch V8s found in many classic Chevrolets, the connecting rod bearings are a critical component. These ACL bearings use a tri-metal construction that offers excellent strength and wear resistance, while the narrowed profile helps ensure proper clearance with wider aftermarket rods. The inclusion of dowels helps with proper bearing alignment during installation, which is crucial for consistent oil flow and preventing bearing spin.

This set is designed to fit a wide range of Chevrolet vehicles from the mid-60s to the mid-70s, including popular models like the Impala, Chevelle, Camaro, and Corvette, as well as many truck and van applications. Make sure to check the full fitment list to confirm compatibility with your specific vehicle. Proper installation is key, so always refer to your engine build manual or a trusted service guide for the correct procedures.