Projects converting pored bearing to insert question

Ok please explain what needs to happen to get this process done.... will any run of the mill machine shop do this or will I have to hunt.....Just dont want that silence on the phone when I start calling around

 

Have no clue but there is shops that rebabbit bearings.Look in Hemmings motor news

 

Conversions have been done on a lot of engines, but each is unique. You need to find a bearing with an ID(journal size and OD(housing bore) that works with your existing hardware. Plan on machining the housing bores oversize and/or grinding the journal undersize. In some cases both babbit and insert rods were made for the same engine at different points in time. Or, possibly there is a rod from another engine that can be adapted. Like I said, each engine has its own solutions.

 

It would be good to mention what engine you are converting. Many, many Ford fours have been converted and shops that have done the work and have the tooling would be the best place to start. They advertise in the Hot For Fast Fours and SOSS newsletters. If you have a Chevy or Dodge Bros or other, someone on here may have done it and be able to provide advise. If they know what you are doing. Most job shops would not have line boring equipment necessary to convert a block to inserts.

 

I convert Babbitt pounders to full pressure conversions on old 207 and 216 Chevy's all the time. The rod work is simple. Have your machine shop call Roseville Engine (CA) and ask for Pat.This is his specialty and it takes but a few moments after the CNC Mill gets the program off the disc. There are vendors who sell the rods new and already to use if you want to spend the money. It is not a huge task.

 

saints,

I hate to say it, but your best bet is to swallow your pride and talk with bluto, RichFox, and ebtm3 on the banger thread. There was a discussion about it in last month's banger thread, if I'm correct.

Normbc9,

Would you happen to know if the 207/216 inserts match the early Chevrolet 4?

 

Here are a couple of pictures of line boring and honing my Dodge for inserts. As you can see it requires specialized machinery that your normal machine shop wouldn't have. Even most automotive shops will not invest in line boring equipment. If you are going off on your own, you need to find the insert that best fits your block and crank. Several engines will then require lines to deliver oil the the mains. In this case I decided it would be better to make new main caps and run the oil to them. And the crank will need to be drilled to get the oil from the mains to the rods. If it's a common engine you have the advantage of all the noodling has been done.

 

yea its for my banger and also a flathead I have.... I hear rebuilding is costly because of this and woul like to spend the money to get them converted verses re babbiting....

 

I do insert mains for 32-36 Flathead V-8's. Contact me if you're interested