Best Rods & Main Bearings for Engine Kits of 2026
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Rods and main bearings are essential components of any engine rebuild. These parts ensure that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. Engine kits often include these components, which are designed to withstand high temperatures and heavy loads. The rods connect the pistons to the crankshaft, while the main bearings support the crankshaft and help it rotate smoothly. Choosing high-quality rods and main bearings is crucial for the longevity and performance of the engine. Whether you're rebuilding a classic car or upgrading your race car, investing in quality rods and main bearings is a smart choice.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Rods & Main Bearings for Engine Kits
IE PARTS GROUP Rod and Main Bearings
The IE PARTS GROUP Bearings are designed specifically for the 1967-95 Chevy SBC 350 5.7 L engines. They do not fit Vortec engine pistons with metric ring lands, ensuring compatibility with the right models. The rings come with thicknesses of 5/64", 5/64", and 3/16", which provides a reliable seal and enhances engine performance. Additionally, over sizes are available, allowing you to select the best fit for your engine needs. This product ensures you can maintain your vehicle's performance and reliability with ease.
DNJ RB220 Rod Bearing Set for 01-05 Honda Civic 1.7L
The DNJ Rod Bearing Set is a brand new, high-quality replacement part designed specifically for 2001-2005 Honda Civic 1.7L engines. This set includes everything you need to service your engine’s rod bearings, ensuring a complete and reliable repair. Made by DNJ Engine Components, a trusted name with over 30 years of experience in engine parts, this product offers durability and peace of mind. Choosing this set means you’re getting parts crafted to fit your car perfectly, helping maintain engine performance and extend its life.
National 200-SS Ball Bearing
The National 200-SS Bearing is designed to give you long-lasting strength thanks to its advanced heat treatment process, which ensures the bearing can handle tough conditions. Made from high-quality steel, it promises durability and a longer service life, so you won’t have to worry about frequent replacements. The bearing’s design carefully balances the size and number of elements, allowing it to handle loads equal to or greater than original equipment, giving you reliable performance every time. Plus, it covers a wide range of domestic and import vehicles, making it a versatile choice for your engine needs.
Armker STD Engine Main & Rod Bearing Set for Hyundai Kia 1.6L
The Armker Engine Bearing Set is designed to fit Hyundai and Kia 1.6L engines without turbo, ensuring a precise and secure fit. Made from durable, high-strength metal, these bearings provide the right clearance to reduce wear, helping your engine run smoothly and last longer. This set is compatible with popular models like the Hyundai Accent, Veloster, Kia Rio, and Soul from specific years, making it a reliable choice for these vehicles. The package includes all necessary bearings and washers, though you’ll need to refer to a manual for installation. This set offers a practical solution for those looking to maintain or rebuild their engine with quality parts.
Mahle/Clevite Rod and Main Bearing Kit
The Mahle/Clevite Rod and Main Bearing Kit is designed to fit 4.8 5.3 6.0 LS Engines and includes the Clevite A series CB663A(8) and Clevite A series MS2199A. This kit is a top-quality solution for engine connecting rod bearings that ensures a perfect fit for your vehicle.
GDUKOP STD Main & Rod Bearing Kit with Piston Rings for Chevy LS Gen III IV 4.8L 5.3L Engines
The GDUKOP Bearing & Ring Kit is designed for Chevy LS Gen III and IV 4.8L and 5.3L V8 engines, making it a reliable choice for many Chevy models from 1999 to 2016. This kit fits engines with a 3.78-inch bore, ensuring compatibility with various engine codes like LR4 and LM7. The components are made from durable metal alloys that provide precise clearances, helping reduce engine wear and improving longevity. Built to match original equipment specifications, this kit guarantees a perfect fit for straightforward installation, making it ideal for engine rebuilds or upgrades without the need for modifications.
Armker STD Main and Rod Bearings Kit for Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler 5.7L-6.4L Engines
The Armker Rod & Main Bearings kit is designed to fit a wide range of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram V8 engines from 2003 to 2016. This set ensures an exact fit for your engine, helping reduce wear and tear by providing precise clearances. Made from high-strength metal, these bearings offer long-lasting durability and reliable performance, which means you can trust them to keep your engine running smoothly. The kit also includes multiple reference part numbers, making it easier for you to confirm compatibility with your specific vehicle model. With Armker’s experience in engine rebuilds, you get quality parts backed by helpful customer support.
Clevite 77 A Series Bearing Kit
The Clevite Bearing Kit is designed for compatibility with various Chevy small block engines, including the 305, 307, 327, 350, and 383 models from 1967 to 2002. This kit features undersized bearings that cater to +.010 crankshaft journals, ensuring a precise fit for your engine. By using this kit, you can enhance your engine's performance and reliability, making it a great choice for rebuilds. Its compatibility with LT1 and LT4 engines also expands its usability, providing convenience for those working on different engine types.
DNJ RB4312 Rod Bearings Set for Ford Escape Fusion 1.5L
The DNJ Rod Bearings Set is a brand-new, high-quality replacement part designed to fit Ford Escape and Fusion models with a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine from 2014 to 2020. This set helps ensure smooth engine operation by providing reliable support to the connecting rods, which can improve your vehicle's performance and longevity. DNJ Engine Components, known for over 30 years of experience, offers trusted parts that meet strict standards. Choosing the DNJ Rod Bearings Set means you get a product from a reputable brand dedicated to quality and durability, giving you confidence in your vehicle’s maintenance.
IKASEFU STD Main & Rod Bearing Set for Hyundai Kia V6 Engines
The IKASEFU Bearing Set is designed to fit a wide range of Hyundai and Kia V6 engines from 2005 to 2016, including popular models like Sonata, Santa Fe, Genesis, and Sorento. This set replaces main and rod bearings with exact standard dimensions, which means you won’t need to modify your crankshaft or adjust sizes during installation. The precision fit ensures smooth engine operation and helps extend the life of your vehicle’s engine components. The package comes complete with both main and connecting rod bearings, making it a convenient all-in-one solution for engine rebuilds or repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know what size rod bearings I need?
To determine the size of rod bearings you need, it is recommended to have approximately 0.001-inch of bearing clearance for every inch of journal diameter. For example, a 2.100-inch rod journal would require a bearing clearance of around 0.0021 or 0.0022. This ensures proper fit and functionality for your engine.
2. How much does it cost to replace main rod bearings?
The cost of replacing main rod bearings can vary widely, ranging from $10 to $5,000. The actual cost depends on factors such as whether you have it done by a mechanic or choose to do it yourself, as well as the specific make and model of your vehicle.
3. What size are engine main bearings?
Engine main bearings are typically available in standard size and undersizes such as .010", .020", and .030". These undersizes are used for passenger car and light truck engines to accommodate different machining or line boring requirements.
4. What is the difference between oversize and undersized rod bearings?
Undersized rod bearings are used when a crankshaft has been machined or ground to a smaller size. Oversize rod bearings, on the other hand, have more material on the outside facing the bearing housing bore. They are used when the engine block has been machined or line bored to a larger size.
5. Can you mix rod bearing sizes?
When it comes to mixing rod bearing sizes, it is generally not recommended. If you need to select different sizes, ensure that the difference in wall size is not more than .0005". Additionally, install the thickest wall shell in the upper position for rod bearings or the lower position for main bearings.
6. Will new rod bearings fix rod knock?
Replacing the rod bearings is a solution to fix rod knock. However, it is important to note that if the rod has caused damage to the crank journal surface, the crankshaft will also need to be polished and possibly turned as part of an engine rebuild.
7. What is the life expectancy of a rod bearing?
The original rod bearings should be replaced every 60-80,000 miles, especially if the vehicle follows a maintenance schedule that includes 15,000-mile oil changes. Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of the engine.
8. What is the best bearing for high loads?
Cylindrical roller bearings are ideal for high load applications. They use cylindrical rollers as rolling elements and can support even greater radial loads compared to deep groove ball bearings. These bearings are commonly used in machinery where strong impacts are expected.
9. What type of bearing is best for high speed?
For high-speed applications, ball bearings are typically recommended for small-to-medium-sized loads. On the other hand, roller bearings are better suited for heavy load applications. The choice between ball bearings and roller bearings depends on the rotational speed and load requirements of the specific application.
10. Can you replace main bearings without pulling the motor?
While it is technically possible to replace main bearings without pulling the motor, it is not recommended. If the bearings are worn enough to require replacement, it is likely that the crankshaft journals will also be worn. To accurately measure the journals and ensure a proper replacement, it is best to remove the crankshaft. Otherwise, the job may not be completed effectively.
During our rods & main bearing for engine kits research, we found 24 rods & main bearing for engine kits products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,052 customer reviews through our big data system to write the rods & main bearings for engine kits list. We found that most customers choose rods & main bearings for engine kits with an average price of $60.06.
The rods & main bearings for engine kits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of rods & main bearings for engine kits, including IE PARTS GROUP, DNJ, National, Armker, Clevite 77. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 98 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.