Main Bearings matched to the block?

[Hilux]

Ok, so just got off the phone to the dealer, and the two parts guys confirmed there are #'s on the block that best correlate to the bearings that need to be used... I've always heard this rumor, but haven't thought much about it.

Option #1: $23.53 per bearing...



Then there's Ted, or EngineBuilder... A person whom I've never heard anything bad said about...

His whole bottom end kit is $60. But it's a general kit. Not matched specifically to the block, right? And who's it made by? ... And I'd have to wait for it to be shipped.

Option #2. $60 plus wait time, for the whole kit...


Well, if he sells a general kit, then why don't I just go down the road to Advanced, or O'Riley's and get the best bearings they sell? Clevites?

Option #3: $??



Are matching bearings to the block that big a deal?

 

[toy4xfun]

the main bearing have to match the crank.
rod bearings have to match the crank.
that is why you plastigauge.

 

[bloc]

It all depends on whether you feel the need to match Toyota's OE standards when building an engine. Hundreds of thousands of engines have been built and run successfully with generic kits. Will these engines run for the same amount of hours as a Toyota? who knows. I'd bet the difference isn't dramatic.

Plastigauge and knowing what a bearing should look and feel like when it goes into its spot in the block should get you a well-built engine.

Just make sure the crank is in good shape, and that everything is as clean as it needs to be before you start assembling. I'd be shocked if the bottom end didn't go 200k with good oil and diligent attention to detail on assembly & break-in.