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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Pilot bearing or bushing?
What's the difference & which should I use. The Lakewood bushing is $7.99, the Moroso bearing is $14.99. There's a bronze bushing and a pilot bearing. Does anyone have a stock GM part number?
Len I went with the roller pilot bearing when I put my present engine together. The idea behind the roller of course is less friction (=more power), but I really don't see how it could make much of a difference. With all the torque your going to have, I dought you'd nitoice it either way so I'd look to see what's the strongest with the least amount of wear ;) .
I think the concences from the past was to use the bushing since it is less likely to fail. Some say to soak it in oil, some say little grease (very little). I just did this job and went with the bushing. My old one showed NO signs of wear.
I tried the bearing and it was all tore up when I yanked the eng after not many miles. Not sure it happened during the previous installation or removal, by play in the input shaft or just plain failed. I decided to go with the bushing from now on, it won't come apart like the bearing can and the little less friction isn't worth it to me.
Wow - I have little experience here, and I would assume the roller bearing to
stay in tolerance longer. Guess I'm wrong - at least in some cases.
After reading the comments above - stick with the bushing.
Definitely soak it overnight in oil. They are porous bronze alloy. Soaking it
will assure the bushing to retain it's self-lubricating properties.
I used that(the GM roller bearing) in both my '68 convertible and Yellow '80 when I had it. Each car had been driven over 20,000+ miles and still going.....but I also don't race or drive my cars here like other members here do...just plain 'ol cruisin' and drivin'................................. ........... :auto: :auto: :auto:
I have had good success with the GM roller bearing. I believe it is damaged when the bell housing is not centered and the trans input shaft hits the bearing slightly off center. I recommend not putting grease on the bushing as over time it "may" become sticky due to heat and cause a problem. Sid.