Best Gen 1 SBC main bearing thrust oiling detail 4 manual transmission

[Dan Timberlake]

I'll be helping a friend put together a nice street 400. The SCAT rotating assm kit comes with King bearings ( part number not avialable right now).

I know about recommendations for excellent non-grooved surface finish, and whacking/aligning/checking the cap for best contact.
I seem to recall his King bearings have a peculiar flange cut out at the parting line.

I'm thinking this application might really benefit from a couple of radial grooves on the flanges that face the clutch.
I'm picturing blind ended grooves that-
1 - Start at the ID and end before the flange OD
https://image.made-in-china.com/43f34j0 ... rings.webp

2 - are detailed to create a shallow wedge leading to the thrust face in the direction of rotation, similar to the intentional "lemon" shaped bore on rod bearings.

Suggestions? Top secrets for a street car with a fairly heavy clutch?

thanks,

Dan T

[Lizardracing]

Federal Mogul advertises a bearing that's tapered on the approach to help with the dynamic wedge for heavy clutchs and ON/OFF throttle applications so you probably thinking on the right track.

[zums]

Just chamfer the parting ling or the rear main bearing and you will have pressurized oil sent to front and back, simple and effective
Tom

[PackardV8]

Suggestions? . . . for a street car with a fairly heavy clutch?

This from an old school guy, but one who no longer uses heavy spring pressure plates. There are so many better, less damaging, better driving options today; twin-disc, centrifugal assist, et al, I'd recommend he choose one of those options. Yes, also go with the F-M thrust bearing or modify the King, but just don't make its task more difficult that it has to be.

[novafornow]

Just chamfer the parting ling or the rear main bearing and you will have pressurized oil sent to front and back, simple and effective
Tom

Been doing this for many years. Have not lost a thrust since.

[Dan Timberlake]

He'll be using the relatively new Centerforce clutch he already has. Reports are it is much heavier than the OEM clutch was.

I'll be curious to get a look at the thrust bearing in the ol' 350 in a year or so.

thanks all,

Dan T