Mech5700

We all know that nobody has ACL Race bearings in stock, and no idea when they will be coming back, so I called around a few local machine shops and performance parts distributors and found out that King has a race bearing as well. It's called the King XP series and it is also a Tri-Metal bearing.

A 30+ year performance parts center called Race Engineering is local to me, so i stopped by and they had a set in stock. They also have a web store as well:

KING BEARINGS - Engine Bearings - 1.8BP/MIATA - MFG PN: MB5304XP - Race Engineering, Inc - KING BEARINGS

Product Description

Successful race engine builders are constantly pushing the limits of load capacity to new levels. Race bearings today inevitably need to match these demands with more competitive bearings. At King Racing we met the challenge with the XP high performance bearings series.

The XP series is a line of bearings with advanced metallurgical and geometric technologies that meet extreme performance loads. It was developed for all performance applications that use forged steel aftermarket crankshafts and produce high loads for extended periods.

King Racing’s XP series features pMax Black™, a unique tri-metal structure that is 24% harder than any other conventional tri-metal race bearing. pMax Black™ together with the XP geometric features are the ideal combination for performance racing. For more on King Racing technologies visit TechLab

All King Bearings are specifically engineered to withstand the highest loads and RPMs generated by today’s top competition engines. All King Performance Engine Bearings feature:

“Bull’s Eye Tolerance”. King engine bearings have the closest wall tolerances in the industry, with all shells matched to 0.0001”.
Increased Height. Greater rod bearing height improves bearing-to-bore contact/heat transfer and reduces spin potential at high RPM.
Improved Oiling. Mains feature enlarged, chamfered oil holes.
Medium Eccentricity. This enables optimum load distribution and improved oiling.
Dowel Holes. Most rod bearings are available with or without dowel holes.
Narrowed Design. Mains and rods are narrowed for large-radius crankshafts.

We offer the industry’s widest selection of sizes, including special clearance options. With more choices than ever, you’ll find the right King High Performance Engine Bearings for your most demanding applications.

King XP Bearings Features

Applications

High-load, long-duration racing such as circle track, off-road, off-shore, and others that require steel crankshafts

Construction

Enhanced tri-metal copper lead construction with nickel barrier and SecureBond adhesion

Features

15% – 30% greater load capacity than traditional bearings
The SecureBond unique adhesion process, for superior stability between the top and intermediate layers
0.0005” metallurgically enhanced and hardened performance overlay withstands greater loads and better resists surface fatigue
Mains are 1/2 grooved for uncompromised lower shell load capacity

Hope this helps somebody out!

-Andy

thenuge26

iTrader: (2)

Does 949 not have ACLs in stock? It doesn't say they're out of stock on their site.

http://949racing.com/ACL-Rod-Bearing-Miata.aspx

http://949racing.com/ACL-Main-Bearing-Miata.aspx

Mech5700

Nope. If you select the STD size "H" series, it shows they are out of stock.

Same as fab9, trackspeed, 5x racing, Race engineering, and every other place I called/emailed yesterday.

concealer404

iTrader: (3)

The last few times this subject has come up, i've posted the same thing: King bearings are fine. I've used them on pretty much every motor i've had because ACL stock issues are ******* retarded and i refuse to deal with them anymore.

Mech5700

concealer, have you used the XP bearings or just the regular AM/OE replacements?

thenuge26

iTrader: (2)

Ah I see the mains are out but rods are not.

concealer404

iTrader: (3)

Haven't used XP, but i've used their "Race" bearings. Not sure if the XP is now that they're calling them or what.

I'm not familiar with each line they have. My main point is that i wouldn't shy away from the company.

patsmx5

iTrader: (16)

Are mazda bearings an option for you? I've run OEM mazda bearings in my last motor with good results!

DanFineArt

This would have been good information for me to have a few weeks ago. I found and ordered a set of ACL race bearings from tegiwa imports. They are in the UK so between the exchange rate and shipping I ended up paying about $20 more to get them. But I have them and can build my engine before July, or whenever they come back in stock locally.
Their web page shows that they still have some in stock if you really want ACL's. I sent them a message to verify that they had them in stock before I placed the order and they were quick to respond. And they shipped them quickly.
ACL RACE MAIN ROD THRUST BEARING SET MAZDA MX5 1.8 | Tegiwa Imports

Mech5700

I'm sure the OE bearings will work. I guess I'm just being overly cautious about it and want the peace of mind knowing I have a top notch bearing in there to match the quality of the rest of the build.

92turbomiata

You can give Flyin Miata a call. They are not on their website but I called and checked because I needed a set of .25mm oversize ACL race main bearings and they had them in stock. Not sure how many sets they have in stock but from what the guy said it sounded like they had quite a few sets in stock. Just letting yall know as I had no idea they carried ACL Race bearings until I called and asked out of desperation and not being able to find any, anywhere.

I also have a full, unopened set of ACL Race bearings in .025mm oversize for mains and rods if anybody is in need of some. If so, just pm me and we can get something figured out.

Mech5700

The list them on their site and a quantity on hand of each size, showing 0 available on the STD size. I assumed their inventory is current. When did you contact them about it?

92turbomiata

Oh well I guess it shows them on their new website but I know they weren't listed on their old website.

Sorry it seems like it wasn't quite that long ago but I just checked and I ordered the bearings about 3 1/2 weeks ago. So it's quite possible that they are out now. I was mainly just letting those who didn't know, that Flyin Miata carries ACL Race bearings.

Alternative

I'm going to be quite torqued if Fab9 is out of stock.... His website allowed me to place my order and then I found this thread....

DanFineArt

Yeah he told me that he was hoping to have them in by mid April, and that he thought that he would be one of the first to get them in stock because he had placed a big order when they first were out of stock. but I was told by Bill from miataroadster and by TrackSpeed that they didn't expect to get them until July.

Fab9's new web site doesn't show sotck levels. I have sent him multiple emails asking about when he plans to get them in stock, but have not heard back from him. Fab9 has the best prices, but you pay for it in lack of service. So I hope for your sake he has them for you, but I doubt it.

Alternative

Awesome.... Would be super if he would make a note on his website.

Oh well, gives me time to work on some other stuff.

Savington

iTrader: (31)

I placed an order with my current ACL supplier in March when they first went on B/O. Got those sets in about 3 weeks, but was told that they hadn't received enough to fill all of their orders, and further sets wouldn't arrive until July. I also cleaned my old supplier out at the same time. IOW, I have just enough to ensure that my motor program isn't held up by a lack of proper main bearings, but not enough to sell retail at this time. I don't think anyone else has any on the shelf.

Mech5700

Interesting. I've had a very different experience with fab9. He has picked up the phone just about every time I've called, and if not he calls me back even if I don't leave a voice mail. He's also in the process of adding live chat to his new website.

zossy1

iTrader: (4)

Bill at MiataRoadster had some as of a few weeks ago.

Mech5700

I called him as well. He's out of stock too.