Rod bearings are a traditionally problematic area for Subaru EJ-series engines. In racing, we combat high oil temperatures, potential oil starvation in high-G corners, and constant high engine loads that push the engines — rod bearings in particular — to the limits. While no bearing can ever solve issues created by severe detonation or oil starvation, there are ways to maximize durability and rod bearing life.
We’ve tried nearly every bearing available for Subaru engines and have finally settled on an aftermarket bearing which we then modify for our own uses based on our experiences as an engine supplier to professionally raced Subaru vehicles in North America.
The professional version bearings come coated in a special oil-retention coating that we’ve found to greatly improve bearing durability and is the same configuration we use on all of our racing and high performance street engines. The “econo” version comes uncoated and should be well suited for most all street applications.
