Kevlar pilot bushings

[Jim Caughlin]

Maybe I'm missing something here, is there a sealed bearing (as opposed to an open cage type bearing) that will hold up? In my case, I'm using the open cage type. I pack it full of grease when I first install it but obviously a few 10,000 RPM launches and I assume all of that grease exits the bearing in a short period of time and the bearing is in an unlubed state and eventually fails. In additon, the grease flings into the bellhousing and makes a big mess. As the sealed bearing would not be a press fit onto the pilot, does it spin free enough to be effective or is it just going to gaul the pilot? I'm thinking of either machining a bushing out of PEEK and/or utilizing a sealed bearing that spins adequately free, either should improve my situation. Any thoughts?

[Mark Ugrich]

I use a sealed bearing in my SBF. It was installed with green loctite. It may take some research , but I would think there has to be a bearing that would be close enough for your application.

[Mike Taylor 3601]

I been using the sealed bearing for years,picked it up from truck pullers, Mc Leod, I think sales them Jerico used to I know they have them for Chevrolets,I don't know what your application is.
Had some made before,can't remember bearing # make bushing to adapt OD to crank
BTW they fit in the bigger hole where converter pilot goes
Remember made one for Windsor in pulling truck once.
These bearings will last for years and if ever do go bad just go buy bearing and put in bushing.
Mike Taylor 3601

[FED 387]

YES McCloud sells the sealed roller bearings many types look on the web site

[Jim Caughlin]

Thanks for the info. I run a 2.3 Ford motor with an adapter plate to run a SBF flywheel and bellhousing, the crank has been modified to accept the standard GM dimension pilot bearing so there is probably something off the shelf that would work.

Still wondering about gauling on the pilot. It would seem to me that there would be enough friction in the bearing seals that it would not turn free enough to avoid slippage and subsequent damage to the pilot. Might be overthinking this...

[Supershifter55]

BTW they fit in the bigger hole where converter pilot goes.

Hi Jim, I could not get the bronze pilot bushing to last even with the bellhousing aligned near perfect. I use the sealed bearing which inserts in the back of the crank where the converter nose goes. It clears and no gauling on pilot shaft. Looked great after 60 passes. High rpm launches are hard on those stock bushings I think. Happy holidays to you. Gary Howe,

[Mike Taylor 3601]

Never seen any problems,truck pullers are way harder on them than we are they bring rpm up high and then ride pedal for 50-75' depending on track.
Sealed bearing will end your pilot bearing problems
Mike Taylor 3601