The best Clevite bearings are the H-Series connecting rod and main bearing sets for the Nissan GT-R's VR38DETT engine, with Subaru EJ rod and main bearing sets rounding out the collection. This is a four-listing engine-internals collection, so every choice starts with your engine and journal sizes rather than with the car alone.
Engine bearings are the thin shells that sit between the crankshaft journals and the connecting rods and block, carrying the oil film the crankshaft rides on. Rod bearings serve the connecting rod journals, while main bearings support the crankshaft in the block, and a rebuild normally replaces both sets together. What matters when buying is the engine application, the journal dimensions named in the listing (the Subaru rod set here is specified for a 52mm rod journal), and whether your crankshaft measures at standard size or has been machined.
Clevite appears in this catalog as a dedicated engine bearing line, and the collection shows its two named ranges. The H-Series sets are the listings for the Nissan GT-R VR38DETT: a connecting rod bearing set and a main bearing set, sold as the matched pair of purchases a VR38 rebuild calls for. The Subaru side uses the Tri Armor name for the EJ rod bearing set, alongside a Subaru EJ Series main bearing set, giving EJ builders the same rod-and-main pairing.
Two neighboring bearing specialists are worth comparing before you buy. ACL is represented here by its Race Series bearings, a large Subaru-heavy range that EJ builders commonly cross-shop against the Clevite EJ sets in this collection. King Engine Bearings is the other major bearing name in the catalog, with a broad engine bearing range of its own. Whichever brand you choose, the buying process is the same: confirm the engine, measure the journals, and order the size those measurements call for.
These bearings belong to a full engine build rather than a bolt-on job, so plan the surrounding parts at the same time. The connecting rods and crankshafts ranges cover the components the bearings work with, the GT-R collection covers the rest of the VR38 catalog, and our EJ257 engine guide is useful background for Subaru builders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between rod bearings and main bearings?
Rod bearings sit between the connecting rods and the crankshaft's rod journals. Main bearings support the crankshaft in the block. A rebuild typically replaces both, sold here as separate sets per engine.
Which engines do these Clevite sets fit?
The H-Series sets are listed for the Nissan GT-R VR38DETT, and the other two sets are listed for Subaru EJ engines, with the rod set specified for a 52mm rod journal. Check your engine and journal size against the listing before ordering.
Can I order bearings before measuring my crankshaft?
That is risky. Bearing sets are sized to the journal, and a crankshaft that has been machined needs the matching size. Measure first, or have your machine shop measure, then order the set those figures specify.
Is bearing replacement a DIY job?
It is an engine-out, precision-assembly job involving clearance checks on every journal. Most owners leave it to an engine builder or machine shop; if that is not you, treat these as parts to supply to your builder rather than a weekend project.
