concerning the engine build for the 83 D-150, I know I have the cam grind selected, so I started working into engine bearings and seeing what is available. I know that modern engines are moving from tri-metal to bi-metal bearings. That change is driven by environmental reasons so lead is being removed. There is also a desire for bearings to carry more load and be less expensive.
Came across this article,, the manufacturing leaders in the bearing industry are represented. Mahle, Federal Mogul and King all talking bearings. An interesting insight to engine bearing design.

http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Article ... ummit.aspx

I pretty much use Michigan or Clevite 77 bearings and never a problem. Haven't kept up but am interested to learn more.

Bearing clearances is a whole 'nother discussion...

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

That was a lot to read, but it's good info. My race 170 is getting King Bearings. The machine shop co-owner uses King Bearings in his blown SB Chevy with good success.

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Joshua

Very interesting, thank you for the link.

Olaf.

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Aspenized

My take away from all of this is:
1) there was general agreement that the bi-metal construction is the the better choice for cast cranks,, due to the hard silicon nodules in the overlay having the ability to polish the open grain structure that is typical of the cast material.
2) tri-metal bearings,, for the time that the overlay exists,, has the best anti seize properties.
3) remember to measure the clearances,,,don't assume because you are working with new parts or re-machined parts, that the sizes are as ordered.