When building a high-performance engine, every component must be selected for strength and reliability. The bearings are the heart of your rotating assembly, and for serious builds, ACL Race Series bearings are a top choice for enthusiasts and professional engine builders. These bearings are engineered to withstand the extreme pressures and high RPMs found in competitive motorsports and modified street engines.
Selecting the correct bearing for your application is critical. This roundup covers eight of the best ACL Race bearing sets for popular performance engines, from legendary Honda B-series and JZ engines to American V8s and Subaru’s EJ platform. Each set is designed to provide enhanced oil control, reduced friction, and the durability needed for your high-performance project.
Our Top Picks for ACL Race Bearings
- ACL Race Bearings compatible with Acura Honda B16A B18A
- ACL Race Bearings for Subaru WRX STi EJ20 EJ25
- ACL Race Series Bearing Set for 1JZ 2JZ-GTE/GE Supra
- ACL Race Bearings compatible with Honda D16A1 D16Y5
- ACL Race Series Rod & Main Bearings for Acura/Honda B18
- ACL Race Main Bearing Set for 5.0L Ford 302 Windsor
- ACL Race Rod Bearing Set for Honda B16/B18
- ACL Race Main Bearing Set for LS1/LS6 Engine
ACL Race Bearings compatible with Acura Honda B16A B18A
This comprehensive bearing kit is designed for a range of popular Honda B-series engines, including the B16A, B18A1, B18B, B20B, and B20Z. It includes everything needed for a bottom-end rebuild with a full set of standard size main bearings, rod bearings, and thrust washers. The “H” suffix indicates these are the standard size, making them a direct replacement for OEM bearings.
Constructed from ACL’s Race Series material, these bearings offer a significant upgrade in durability over stock components. They are ideal for high-RPM applications and engines that will see increased power levels from turbocharging or other modifications. This complete set ensures all your engine’s critical bearing surfaces are protected with high-performance components.
ACL Race Bearings for Subaru WRX STi EJ20 EJ25
Engineered specifically for the demanding environment of the Subaru EJ20 and EJ25 turbo engines, this bearing set addresses common failure points. The set includes standard size rod and main bearings, with the #5 thrust washer configuration that is critical for these boxer engines. The high-strength overlay plate is designed for better oil control and reduced friction.
Key features include a hardened steel backing on all connecting rod bearings for increased strength and an increased crush design for better retention in the rod housing. These design improvements contribute to the bearing set’s ability to handle the high cylinder pressures and rotational forces present in modified Subaru engines, making it a trusted choice for performance builds.
ACL Race Series Bearing Set for 1JZ 2JZ-GTE/GE Supra
This bearing kit is tailored for the legendary Toyota 1JZ and 2JZ inline-6 engines found in the Supra, SC300, and IS300. Unlike a standard replacement, this set provides an extra .001″ of oil clearance, which is beneficial for high-performance and boosted applications where increased oil flow is necessary for cooling and lubrication under extreme loads.
The kit includes a full set of rod bearings and main bearings designed to handle the significant power potential of these engines. The additional clearance helps prevent oil starvation and bearing seizure in high-RPM and high-horsepower scenarios, making it an excellent foundation for a robust and reliable 2JZ or 1JZ build.
ACL Race Bearings compatible with Honda D16A1 D16Y5
For builders focusing on the economical and widely available Honda D-series engine, this ACL Race bearing set offers a performance-grade solution. It is compatible with a broad range of D16 engines, including the D16Z6 and D16Y8, which are popular platforms for turbocharging and all-motor builds. The set includes standard size main and rod bearings, along with thrust washers.
Built with the same Race Series material technology as ACL’s other performance bearings, this set provides enhanced durability for your D-series project. Whether you are rebuilding a high-mileage engine or preparing for a boost in power, these bearings provide the reliability needed for a successful build.
ACL Race Series Rod & Main Bearings for Acura/Honda B18
This is a rod and main bearing combo set specifically for Acura and Honda B16, B18, and B20 engines. It serves as a complete solution for refreshing the bottom end of your engine with high-performance components. The bearings are designed to handle the stresses associated with VTEC operation and high rotational speeds.
The Race Series construction ensures consistent performance and longevity, which is vital for engines that are regularly pushed to their limits on the track or street. By upgrading to this bearing set, you are investing in the long-term health and performance of your Honda or Acura powerplant.
ACL Race Main Bearing Set for 5.0L Ford 302 Windsor
This main bearing set is engineered for the iconic 5.0L Ford 302 Windsor engine, a staple of American performance. The standard size bearings are a direct fit for a standard crankshaft journal, making them ideal for a straightforward rebuild or a performance upgrade. The Race Series material provides a significant durability advantage over stock bearings.
For Ford enthusiasts building a high-output 302 for a Mustang, Fox Body, or other project car, these main bearings are a fundamental component for a reliable rotating assembly. They are built to manage the load and harmonics of a performance V8, ensuring your engine remains solid under pressure.
ACL Race Rod Bearing Set for Honda B16/B18
This product is a dedicated rod bearing set for the Honda B16 and B18 engine families. Sometimes a builder may only need to replace the rod bearings, and this set provides that specific solution with high-performance ACL Race Series components. The standard size ensures compatibility with factory crankshaft dimensions.
Upgrading the rod bearings is a smart move for any engine that sees high RPMs, as the connecting rods experience tremendous force. This set gives you the confidence to rev your B-series engine knowing the bottom end is protected by bearings designed for competition use.
ACL Race Main Bearing Set for LS1/LS6 Engine
Designed for the prolific GM LS1 and LS6 engines, this main bearing set brings ACL’s race-proven technology to the world of LS swaps and performance builds. These standard size bearings are a critical upgrade for any LS engine that will be subjected to increased power from forced induction, nitrous, or aggressive camshaft profiles.
The reliability of the LS platform is legendary, and using these performance main bearings helps ensure that reliability is maintained even when power levels are significantly increased. They are a fundamental part of building a strong, dependable LS-based engine for any application.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best ACL Race Bearings for Your Build
When I’m building or rebuilding an engine for performance, the choice of bearings isn’t a place to cut corners. They are the literal heart of your rotating assembly, and picking the right set can mean the difference between a reliable powerhouse and a catastrophic failure. ACL Race Bearings have been my go-to for years in high-performance applications, but even within their lineup, you need to know what to look for. Here’s my personal guide to getting it right.
First, you absolutely must get the correct sizing. This seems obvious, but it’s the most common pitfall. You can’t just order a set for your car’s make and model and call it a day. After any machine work, especially crankshaft grinding or align honing, your clearances will have changed. You need to have your machinist measure everything precisely. ACL Race Bearings come in standard, undersize (like 0.010″, 0.020″), and oversize options to accommodate this. Installing bearings with the wrong clearance will lead to immediate oil pressure issues and quick engine death.
Next, consider the material. ACL’s main race series uses a tri-metal construction: a steel backing for strength, a copper-lead intermediate layer for conformability and embeddability (meaning it can handle small bits of debris without self-destructing), and an electroplated overlay. This is fantastic for most high-horsepower, high-RPM street and track engines. They also offer a Duraglide (aluminum-tin) series, which is great for some OEM-plus builds or specific applications where that material is specified. For the vast majority of us pushing power levels, the tri-metal race series is the sweet spot for high performance and durability.
Don’t forget about the specific bearing types. A full set includes main bearings (for the crankshaft), rod bearings, and thrust washers. Make sure your kit has everything you need. Also, pay attention to any specific features for your engine. Some ACL sets include additional oiling holes or grooves that are crucial for lubricating particular components like turbochargers or specific cylinder walls. Research your engine platform; the performance community for your specific engine will have a wealth of knowledge on which ACL bearing set is considered the gold standard.
Finally, think about your intended use. Are you building a 500whp street car that sees occasional track days, or a 1000hp drag monster? While ACL Race Bearings are designed for severe duty, ensuring you’ve matched the bearing to your power, RPM, and oiling system capabilities is part of a successful build. Pairing them with a high-quality racing oil is non-negotiable. It’s a system, and the bearing is a critical component that relies on everything else working in harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ACL Race Bearings better than OEM bearings?
For performance applications, yes, in my experience they are. OEM bearings are designed for longevity, quiet operation, and fuel efficiency under normal driving conditions. ACL Race Bearings are engineered specifically for the increased loads, higher RPMs, and greater heat generated by modified engines. Their tri-metal material is stronger and more durable under these extreme stresses, making them a necessary upgrade for any serious build where you’re increasing power significantly.
Do I need to get my engine block machined before installing ACL bearings?
Almost always, yes. This is one of the most important steps. If you’re rebuilding an engine, especially one that has seen some wear or has previously failed, the crankshaft journals and bearing bores in the block need to be inspected and measured by a professional machinist. They need to be perfectly round and smooth. The machinist will tell you what size bearings you need—standard or an undersize—based on their measurements. Just dropping in new bearings without this check is a recipe for a very short engine life.
What is the difference between ACL Race Series and ACL Duraglide Series?
The main difference is in the material construction. The Race Series I typically use is a tri-metal bearing (steel/copper-lead/overlay) which offers excellent fatigue strength and conformability for high-horsepower applications. The Duraglide Series is an aluminum-tin material. It’s also a performance bearing, but it’s often better suited for applications where an aluminum bearing is originally specified or for certain types of racing with very specific oiling requirements. For most turbocharged and high-RPM naturally aspirated builds, the Race Series is the default choice for achieving high performance and durability.
How important is oil choice when using ACL Race Bearings?
It’s critically important. These performance bearings have different clearances and operate under much higher stress than stock parts. They require a high-quality oil with a robust additive package, specifically one designed for performance engines. I always use an oil with a higher zinc (ZDDP) content, as this provides essential anti-wear protection for the bearing surfaces. Using a cheap, low-quality conventional oil will drastically reduce the life of your expensive ACL bearings and your entire engine.
Can I reuse ACL Race Bearings during a rebuild?
I strongly advise against it. Bearings are a wear item. Once they’ve been used, the soft overlay surface has worn and conformed to your specific crankshaft journals. Reusing them will almost certainly lead to incorrect clearances and compromised oil pressure. During any rebuild where the rotating assembly is disassembled, always install a brand new set of bearings. It’s a relatively small cost in the context of a full rebuild and is essential for reliability.