Engine and Transmission Tech

We've all heard the old saying, "talk is cheap"; having said that, I just read a review in "Engine Builders" and they seem to support the theory behind the bearing coating and its claims however there's very few live feedback from users therefore "talk is still cheap". I need proof.

I plan in refreshing a Ford 331 stroker with rings and bearings for my MGB. Does anyone have experience with coated bearings? Also, would it be a good idea to install Total Seal gapless rings? The pistons are forged SRP, 030" over and the crankshaft is a "Scat" 1018 nod iron. I would appreciate any expert advice.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/24/2010 12:51PM by Moderator.

Sorry guys, maybe I should have named some bearing brands, "Speed-Pro, Duroshield" or "Clevite, H-Series". As far as rings, I heard that racing rings called "Black Nitro" do an excellent job sealing the compression. It all sounds good when you read their advertisements, but, there's nothing like some good feedbacks from end users. This is my first conversion, and just like some MG owners on the forum that wants to go high performance, I find myself second guessing the H/P engine components choices out there.

For one, at the proper time I plan in pushing it to brutal red line punishment and I'd like to keep the engine together with all of the latest technology advancement. These bearings and rings are almost double the cost and I just wanted to tap in some of you guy's advance expertise to see if it justifies the expense. Again, any input is appreciated.

I'm kind of thinking that any coating is going to be short term at best. May be good for race engines? No experience here, just opinion. I'm going to run synthetic oil after petroleum break-in with an accusump to pre pressure engine on start. Engine should last a long time.

These guys are right near where I live. [www.polydyn.com]

I had them coat my headers & exhaust. But, their main business seemed to be coating engine (as well as turbos, pumps & similar) internals. Lots of drag & race car pics on the wall from various customers.

For a regular street driven car I'm not sure the cost is justified. Not sure what motor you're using, but it's not uncommon for motors to go well over 150k miles before needing a simple rebuild so unless you'll be racing it or building a very high revving motor, its probably unnecessary expense.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/24/2010 01:17PM by rficalora.

Jacques, I suppose, part of the equation is, your budget for the build ? I actually, believe what I read in "Engine Masters" magazine. Every engine they have compaired, makes more horsepower and torque with these type of coatings than with-out.You may want to peep, "TechLine Coatings", on the webb. I would, "especially" consider coated main bearings, for huge, like 3.-3.25" Buicks,(allowed them to use a cheaper, cast crank). You may want to check-out an issue and draw your own conclusions. Good Luck. roverman.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/24/2010 11:34PM by roverman.

I've never checked into coated bearings, although I have sprayed and baked moly kote onto bearings on a new build and no problems on dry starts.
As for the Total Seal rings I have used them in an aircraft race engine for airboat racing, you could hang on the propeller and would not leak down until you backed off a bit.
Alot less blowby using 40% nitrometane/methanol milking the oil as with regular rings.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/24/2010 02:03PM by flitner.

Art, you are right in mentioning "my budget for the build". At this point, I'm still not sure if it's worth the money but I'm convinced that "coated bearings" will give you the extra protection under different situations, such as, cold start, overheated oil and increased RPM.

Aw yes...cold start, slightly different issue than, first fire-up. For my $, I'll go with solenoid controlled, remote, oil accumulator,(accu-sump) is a brand of same. Can use it,,(pre-pressurized), for first fire-up and subsequent cold starts.Moroso 1 pc. bottle, is cheap insurance. Good Luck, roverman.