INDUSTRY: MAHLE Clevite introduces half-size H-Series performance engine bearings

ANN ARBOUR, MI - MAHLE Clevite Inc. announces expanded part numbers for their line of Clevite® H-Series performance engine bearings. The new part numbers include .009", .011'', .019" and .021" rod and main bearings. They are designed for engine builders who want to fine-tune the bearing clearance on performance engines with crankshafts that are ground nominally undersize.
 
These special size H-Series bearings feature the strength and durability of Clevite TriMetal™ bearing construction combined with the special H series features including narrowed width and modified overlay. They are available for a wide range of Chevy, Ford and Chrysler engines. Information on the bearing part numbers, product specifications and recommended applications is available on the MAHLE Clevite web site: www.mahleclevite.com or our new 2007-2008 Performance Engine Bearing Catalog EB- 40-07.
 
The .009", .011'', .019" and .021" H-Series engine bearings offer engine builders greater latitude in choosing bearings for performance engines having an undersized-ground crankshaft.
 
In the competitive world of racing and performace motoring, many engine builders are extremely particular about the bearing clearances they want to achieve. Jeff Schaerer, Bearing Application Engineer for MAHLE Clevite, says that with these additional size H-Series bearings, engine builders can easily achieve specific bearing clearances of +/- a half-thousandths of an inch.
 
"You can custom tailor the bearing clearance to your own individual preference simply by mixing or matching the shells of these performance bearings," Schaerer says.
 
For example, using a pair of .009" bearings will reduce bearing clearance by .001" compared with normal .010" bearings. Similarly, clearance can be increased by .001" by using a pair of the new .011" bearings. Furthermore, it is possible to use one .009" shell in combination with a regular .010" shell to reduce clearance by .0005" (a half-thousandth). Likewise, a .011" shell can be used with a regular .010" shell to increase clearance by .0005" (a half-thousandth).
 
All of this information also applies to .019" and .021" bearings used on a .020" undersize crankshaft.
 
Schaerer adds that most enthusiasts can not afford to discard a worn crankshaft after four or five races like the top professional racing teams do. "That's the beauty of the Clevite undersized
H-Series bearings. They allow engine builders to get perfect clearance on a used crankshaft that has been ground undersize for re-use."
 
Domestic engine applications for the H-Series bearings include:
 
Chevy
Small block:, 350, 400
Big block: 396, 402, 427, 454
 
Ford
Small block: 289, 302
Big block: 460
Windsor Ford: 351
Late model 4.6L and 5.4L modular V-8
 
Chrysler
Small block: 318, 360
Big block: 400, 440, 426
Late model 5.7L, 6.2L HEMI ®*
 
MAHLE Clevite Inc. is one of the world's largest suppliers of pistons, valve train parts, engine bearings, piston rings, and engine gaskets. MAHLE Clevite brands include MAHLE Original® pistons, assemblies, valves, cylinder liners, Clevite® engine bearings and engine parts, Victor Reinz® gaskets and Perfect Circle® piston rings. In addition, Clevite®, Victor Reinz® and Perfect Circle® are official NASCAR® Performance Products. MAHLE Clevite's Internet address is www.mahleclevite.com.
 
The MAHLE Group is one of the 30 largest automotive suppliers worldwide. As the leading manufacturer of components and systems for the internal combustion engine and its peripherals, MAHLE is among the top 3 systems suppliers for piston systems, cylinder components, valve train systems, air management systems, and liquid management systems. With more than 40,000 employees in 110 production plants and seven research and development centers, MAHLE generated sales in excess of EUR 4.3 billion (USD 5.8 billion) in 2006.
 
* HEMI is a registered trade mark of Chrysler LLC

From Dick Moritz / Target Communications Inc.