VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 216 spun bearing

What is the original intended application of these "CB503B" bearings?

Thanks Keith. No luck on those websites.

Here's what I see as my options. I can wait around a bit and hope a set of these 30 under bearings pop up on eBay in the future. Or I can pull the crank and pay for some machine work and go with different bearings that are 40 or 50 under. Or I can just swap out this engine for a modern engine and be done with this issue of part scarcity. Not yet decided. I think I'll price out the options while I continue looking for the 30 under bearings.

Great question Bloo. I've found no documentation online.

Maybe someone on this forum has info?

I believe I found an alternative! Circling back in case it helps others.

Apparently those TRW cb503b-30 Connecting Rod Bearings are identical to Federal Bearings 1415SB30 Connecting Rod Bearings. Apparently, TRW or Federal were very commonly used in rebuilds of the old 216 and 235 engines. Both brands were available in undersizes, from stock up to 50.

I initially found this lead through the miracle of Google. A search found a few threads on another forum called stovebolt forum. This interchange of the TRW and Federal bearings was mentioned. Armed with that lead, I ran additional searches for more info and photos of the parts.

As of now, the TRW cb503b-30 is not available anywhere online. However, the Federal Bearings 1415SB30 is available on eBay in limited quantities.

My order is on the way. Hopefully my next report is of new bearings in a running 216.

Thanks again for all the help. I hope I've contributed something of use for others.

This is my final planned update to this thread.

I installed the Federal 1415SB30 bearings, buttoned up the oil pan, replaced the hoses to the oil filter (the old ones very leaked badly), and started up the old 216. Ran it at idle for about 1 hour, and drove it around town for about 10 miles. Sounds great. Runs pretty good. Just needs a bit of fine tuning (for example, I've ordered a new vacuum advance for the distributor).

Thanks again to all who responded to me on this forum. You're replied helped me to think through this whole process.

We are always happy to help. You might consider joining the club. The benefits far outweigh the cost.

Great the you got it fixed. Thanks for the update.