King Engine Bearings

What This Category Covers

The King Engine Bearings category groups together every main and connecting rod bearing set produced by King for gasoline, diesel, marine, and performance engine applications. Coverage spans standard size bearing sets for stock rebuilds, undersize sets for reground crankshafts, and performance coated bearing sets like pMaxKote for high output and turbocharged engines.

Main Bearing Sets

Main bearing sets support the crankshaft against the engine block, and King produces application specific sets for platforms including GM Vortec and LS-series, Chrysler 300 and Grand Caravan, and Toyota 3UR-FE V8 engines.

Connecting Rod Bearing Sets

Connecting rod bearing sets sit between the connecting rod and crankshaft journal, with King offering coverage for Hyundai/Kia 2.4L, Ford Powerstroke 6.7L diesel, Holden 3.6L V6, Ford/Mazda Duratec 2.0L, and BMW N47 diesel engines.

Performance Coated Bearings

King pMaxKote and other performance coatings reduce friction and improve break in characteristics compared to standard bearing surfaces, which matters most in high output and forced induction builds.

pMaxKote Performance Bearings

pMaxKote coated main bearings for platforms like the Nissan VR38DETT reduce startup friction and improve oil film retention under the higher loads seen in twin turbo performance applications.

Polymer Coated Bearings

Polymer coated rod bearing sets for Nissan SR20DE and SR20DET applications provide an extra layer of protection during initial break in and under marginal oiling conditions common in high RPM four cylinder builds.

Undersize and Oversize Bearing Sets

Undersize bearing sets in increments such as 0.25mm compensate for a reground crankshaft journal, which is a standard step during an engine rebuild when the factory journal surface is worn or damaged.

Rebuild Applications

Engine builders performing a full rebuild select undersize main and rod bearing sets based on the actual measured journal diameter after crankshaft regrinding, rather than assuming standard size will fit.

Platform Coverage

King Engine Bearings in this collection cover GM LS, LSX, and Vortec V8 engines, Ford small block Windsor and modular V8, Ford/Mazda Duratec four cylinders, Ford Powerstroke 6.7L diesel, BMW N47 diesel, Nissan VR38DETT, SR20DE/DET, and KA24DE, Toyota 3UR-FE, Acura B-series, Subaru, Audi 2.1L/2.2L turbo five cylinder, Volkswagen turbo four cylinder, and Hyundai/Kia 2.4L engines.

Related Engine Build Brands

• King Engine Bearings. Main and rod bearing sets across gasoline, diesel, marine, and aviation applications
• ARP. Main studs, rod bolts, and head fasteners commonly installed alongside new bearing sets
• Cometic Gasket. Head gaskets and top end gasket kits for the same engine rebuild
• Supertech. Valves, springs, and valvetrain components for complete top end builds

How to Choose the Correct Bearing Set

• Confirm the exact engine code, not just the vehicle year, make, and model
• Measure actual crankshaft journal diameter before selecting standard vs undersize bearings
• Match bearing material and coating to your power level and forced induction plans
• Verify main bearing set includes correct thrust bearing position for your engine
• Check whether rod bearings are sold per set matching your cylinder count
• Confirm oil clearance specifications with a plastigauge check during assembly
• Verify bearing shell tab and locating notch orientation matches your block and rods
• Check crankshaft surface finish and straightness before installing new bearings
• Pair with ARP main studs or rod bolts when upgrading clamping strength
• Confirm oil pump and oiling system capacity matches your bearing clearance selection

Common Questions

How do I know if I need undersize bearings?

Undersize bearings are needed when the crankshaft has been reground to remove wear or damage from the journal surface, and the amount of undersize must match the actual reground diameter.

What is the benefit of pMaxKote coated bearings?

pMaxKote coating reduces friction during startup and improves oil film retention under high load, which benefits turbocharged and high output engines like the Nissan VR38DETT during repeated hard use.

Can I reuse bearings during an engine rebuild?

Bearings should not be reused during a rebuild since they wear during normal operation, and installing new bearings with correctly measured clearance is standard practice for a reliable rebuild.

How do I measure bearing clearance?

Bearing clearance is measured using a plastigauge strip placed on the journal, then reading the compressed width after torquing the cap to specification, and comparing it against the manufacturer tolerance.

Do main bearings and rod bearings wear at the same rate?

Wear rates depend on oiling, load, and engine use, but rod bearings often see higher combustion related loading, so both should be inspected together during any rebuild or bearing replacement.

What causes premature bearing failure?

Common causes include insufficient oil pressure, contaminated oil, incorrect clearance from improper machining, and excessive load from detonation or a failing forced induction system.

Should I replace ARP main studs when replacing bearings?

Replacing or upgrading to ARP main studs at the same time as bearings is common practice since it ensures consistent clamping force and reduces the chance of main cap movement under load.

Do King bearings work in diesel engines?

Yes. King produces bearing sets specifically for diesel platforms including the Ford Powerstroke 6.7L and BMW N47 diesel engine, engineered for the higher loads typical of diesel combustion.

What is the difference between standard and performance coated bearings?

Standard bearings use a conventional bearing surface suitable for stock and mild rebuilds, while performance coated bearings like pMaxKote add a friction reducing layer for high output and forced induction engines.

Do I need to replace bearings if I am only replacing pistons?

While not always required, inspecting and often replacing rod bearings during a piston replacement is recommended since the engine is already disassembled and bearing wear cannot be fully assessed without removal.

Why Buy King Engine Bearings from Black Ops Auto Works

Black Ops Auto Works stocks 591 King Engine Bearings SKUs across main bearing, rod bearing, and size specific categories with real fitment data, competitive pricing, and support from staff who build these engines themselves. Products are filterable by year, make, model, trim, engine, and drivetrain to confirm the correct application before ordering.

For focused shopping, browse our Engine, Engine Block, Bearings, Pistons, ARP, Cometic Gasket, and Supertech collections to complete your engine rebuild.