VCCA Home Forums Thread Like Summary - 216 Main bearings, what is the difference

I have weird question, I had to get a different block for my 41 Master Deluxe and I picked up a 1948 216 motor to use as a doner. So I am trying get bearings.010 over and they seem to be hard to get for a 1948-53, but 1941-47 are readily available.

Does anyone know the difference between these 216 blocks that makes the mains different. The rod bearings are the same for both date ranges so I was just curious. I have a good 41 crank that I can use If needed.

I have access to a machine shop and can do modifications if necessary

Just a note;
Cylinders are bored over sized so require over sized pistons.
Rod and mains are turned under size so require UNDER sized bearings

.010" is desireale because larger udersizes may just have thicker babbitt to get to the smaller size.
Thicker babbitt cmpresses more and requires adjusting the bearing more often.

Did you try NAPA?

The above is correct. After the year of 1948 Chevrolet main bearings for all 6 cylinder engnes were changed to the precision type for replacement.....you had to replave all three or 4 when used.

Yes

I believe that after 1948, precision bearings were sold to fit the earlier 216's that formerly had to have their bearings line bored.
But the bearings for engines made 1948 and later still would not fit engines made 1947 or earlier.