Engine bearing type recommendation

[Duodec]

Been reading up on engine main and rod bearings.  There's a lot of dislike for bi-metal bearings, and a lot of consensus that Tri-metal is best for high-performance applications.

I'm building a near stock 318 now; minor upgrades only.  Then later a beefy 360.  Clevite Tri-metal for the 360, but are the bi-metal (probably Sealed Power) appropriate for the stock 318?  I know Direct Connection used to list two different types of bearings for normal use and high performance, one being the F77 Tri-metal, but I don't remember what the others were (and my catalogs are all packed up).

I'm going to stick with real brands hopefully still made in at least North America.  Are the bi-metal bearings good to go for the 318?

[Chryco Psycho]

I am sure you would be fine with Bi metal , but if the cost is not a lot more I would use Clevite tri metal .what changes is the ability of the brg to absorb debris & not score the crank so if the oil & filter are kept clean & the engines was cleaned well during assembly either will be OK .
The more common question is 1/2 or full groove mains & the jury is out there also , essentially the crank never touches the brg only the oil film between so is more surface area or more oil better on the load side , I have always used full groove brgs with high pressure oil pumps & never had issues .

[Duodec]

Thanks for replying.  I know some folks online have a serious hate on bimetal bearings while others say the currently made ones are excellent and much improved over 20 years ago.

The 318 is going to be the interim engine (it is the original from the car) because right now I have it and can afford to rebuild it.  That will change in a few years when we retire.  The beefy engine is going to get a quality build with best parts (for what its being built to do).

I have a Melling high volume pump for the 318; if I get full groove mains (even though they'll be overkill for the 318, which is even staying 2 barrel) should I get the high pressure pump instead (or change the spring in the HV to that effect)?

Thanks again.

[Chryco Psycho]

I don't recommend the High Volume pump at all , I always use high Pressure though, the high volume can drain the pan at higher RPM