Question for stick racers

Jim Hawkins · 06-28-2025, 11:02 PM

What are you guys using for a pilot bearing or bushing?
I have been using a ball bearing in a bushing made to fit in the back of the crankshaft. This is the larger hole where the convertor hub would fit.
Problem is getting one made for each specific crank and fit needs to be about perfect.
Also can have clearance problems to the splines on the input.
I tried a bushing from speedway once that has a shoulder for extra height with a motor plate. It spun loose after very few runs.
I have a torrington type bearing here from moroso goes in stock pilot hole.
Anyone use these? Believe this is used in some oem applications.

james schaechter · 06-29-2025, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Hawkins

What are you guys using for a pilot bearing or bushing?
I have been using a ball bearing in a bushing made to fit in the back of the crankshaft. This is the larger hole where the convertor hub would fit.
Problem is getting one made for each specific crank and fit needs to be about perfect.
Also can have clearance problems to the splines on the input.
I tried a bushing from speedway once that has a shoulder for extra height with a motor plate. It spun loose after very few runs.
I have a torrington type bearing here from moroso goes in stock pilot hole.
Anyone use these? Believe this is used in some oem applications.

The sealed bearing is best, but you have to have it set when the crank is out. I have used the needle bearing bushing in stockers but they do wear out. I have also used the Kevlar ones in a pinch.
The modern clutches we all use put more strain on the pilot bearings so anything other than a good strong roller bearing is going to get wobbled out and can cause issues. Thst is ok as long as you keep an eye on it and are prepared to change them as needed.

Mark Yacavone · 06-29-2025, 12:43 PM

I have used roller bearing, in place of a bushing, but let's just say they are unforgiving.
I had to indicate the bell housing and re-balance all the clutch components...then it was fine.

Robbie Draughon · 06-29-2025, 01:22 PM

Lakewood 15975. For chevy engine and the bigger ford pilot size. Have run these for years.

Jim Hawkins · 06-29-2025, 09:19 PM

Yes you just answered my next question. Upgrade to the Ford pilot size.
Thanks for all replies.

06-28-2025, 11:02 PM	#1
Jim Hawkins Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 195 Likes: 88 Liked 114 Times in 34 Posts	Question for stick racers What are you guys using for a pilot bearing or bushing? I have been using a ball bearing in a bushing made to fit in the back of the crankshaft. This is the larger hole where the convertor hub would fit. Problem is getting one made for each specific crank and fit needs to be about perfect. Also can have clearance problems to the splines on the input. I tried a bushing from speedway once that has a shoulder for extra height with a motor plate. It spun loose after very few runs. I have a torrington type bearing here from moroso goes in stock pilot hole. Anyone use these? Believe this is used in some oem applications.

06-29-2025, 12:43 PM	#3
Mark Yacavone Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Miles From Nowhere Posts: 7,795 Likes: 2,886 Liked 5,087 Times in 1,938 Posts	Re: Question for stick racers I have used roller bearing, in place of a bushing, but let's just say they are unforgiving. I had to indicate the bell housing and re-balance all the clutch components...then it was fine. __________________ "We are lucky we don't get as much Government as we pay for." Will Rogers

06-29-2025, 01:22 PM	#4
Robbie Draughon Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 77 Likes: 14 Liked 29 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Question for stick racers Lakewood 15975. For chevy engine and the bigger ford pilot size. Have run these for years. __________________ SS/AM 2917

06-29-2025, 09:19 PM	#5
Jim Hawkins Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 195 Likes: 88 Liked 114 Times in 34 Posts	Re: Question for stick racers Yes you just answered my next question. Upgrade to the Ford pilot size. Thanks for all replies.