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ACL trimetal connecting rod bearings Saab 2.0 2.3 16v

New product

Set of 8 trimetal connecting rod half-bearings for Saab 2.0-2.3.

  • Brand and treatment: ACL Race
  • Compatibility: 900, 9000, 9-3, 9-5
  • Engine codes: see the compatibility table
  • Available sizes: standard to +0.25 mm, increased-clearance version (HX)

More details

119,81 € tax incl.

-5%

126,12 € tax incl.

  • The Saab petrol four-cylinder engines of 2.0 to 2.3 litres

    These Saab petrol four-cylinder engines of 2.0 to 2.3 litres, with twin overhead camshafts and 16 valves (B202, B202I, B202L, B202S, B202XI, B202XL, B204E, B204I, B204L, B204R, B204S, B205E, B205L, B205R, B206I, B234E, B234I, B234L, B234R, B235E, B235L, B235R), are fitted notably to the 900, 9000, 9-3 and 9-5. ACL lists a single bearing set for these engines: same crankpin diameter, a single set covers the family.

    From the factory, these engines are fitted with standard production connecting rod bearings, sized for the loads of the original engine: as soon as power, engine speed or boost pressure increase, they reach their limits.

    Trimetal connecting rod bearings

    A trimetal bearing stacks three layers: a steel back, a copper-lead intermediate layer with high load capacity and an anti-friction running surface that protects the journal. The complete set contains 8 half shells, four pairs for a four-cylinder engine.

    The original bearing relies on an aluminium alloy over a steel back, intended for low to medium loads, whereas trimetal is designed for high, sustained loads: an aluminium bi-metal takes around 8,000 psi, a performance trimetal up to 12,000 psi, 50% more. Hence better resistance and better durability on turbocharged, supercharged and high-revving engines.

    Technical specifications

    Fitment dimensions common to all references
    ACL bearings
    Crankpin Ø 51.981 / 52.000 mm
    Housing bore Ø 56.000 / 56.019 mm
    Width 20.25 mm
    ReferenceBrand and treatmentSizeWall thickness (mm)
    4B2010H-STDACL Race - UntreatedStandard1.988
    4B2010HX-STDACL Race - UntreatedStd, increased clearance (HX)1.975
    4B2010H-.25ACL Race - Untreated+0.252.113

    Running clearance

    The running clearance is the gap between the bearing and the journal where the oil film flows.

    In operation, the crankshaft journal does not rub against the bearing: it rides on this oil film, which carries the load. Clearance sets the thickness of this film: too tight, oil flows poorly, temperature rises and the risk of seizure increases; too loose, oil escapes, the film loses load-carrying capacity and oil pressure drops. The right clearance is the balance between adequate lubrication and a well-maintained oil film.

    Size / gradeWhen to choose itACL Race Series
    Standard (STD)Standard journal, not reground0.055 to 0.065 mm
    Increased clearance (HX)Wider clearance: high oil flow, high rpm0.080 to 0.090 mm
    +0.25 mmJournal reground to 0.25 mm0.055 to 0.065 mm

    Checking on assembly: lay a calibrated strip (Plastigauge) on the journal, torque the rod cap to spec, then compare the crushed strip against the gauge to read the clearance.

    Plastigauge

    Order the Plastigauge →

    Technical guide

    The ACL rod bearings shown here are trimetal bearings, designed for engine building and racing. Compared with an original bearing, they handle far higher loads: they cope with increased power, high rpm or the addition of a turbo or supercharger, where a standard bearing quickly reaches its limit.

    The brand

    ACL Bearing CompanyACL Bearing Company, an Australian manufacturer of high-performance engine bearings since 1949, offers with its Race Series precise trimetal bearings, available in many sizes and proven on built engines worldwide.

    Vehicle compatibility

    This connecting rod bearing set fits the petrol four-cylinder engines of the following Saab models:

    BrandModel (chassis)Engine codePowerYears
    SAAB900 I (AC4, AM4) 2.0 / 2.0 -16 / 2.0 S Turbo-16 / 2.0 Turbo-16 / 2.0 Turbo-16 S / 2.0 Turbo-16 S CatB202I, B202L, B202S, B202XI, B202XL125–175 hp1984–1993
    SAAB900 I Combi Coupe 2.0 -16 / 2.0 S Turbo-16 / 2.0 Turbo-16 / 2.0 Turbo-16 S / 2.0 Turbo-16 S CatB202I, B202L, B202S, B202XI, B202XL125–180 hp1984–1994
    SAAB900 I Convertible 2.0 / 2.0 -16 / 2.0 16v / 2.0 S Turbo-16 / 2.0 Turbo-16 / 2.0 Turbo-16 SB202I, B202S, B202XL126–175 hp1986–1994
    SAAB900 II 2.0 -16 Turbo / 2.0 i / 2.3 / 2.3 -16B204I, B204L, B206I, B234I131–185 hp1993–1998
    SAAB900 II Coupé 2.0 -16 Turbo / 2.0 i / 2.3 -16B204I, B204L, B206I, B234I131–185 hp1993–1998
    SAAB900 II Convertible 2.0 -16 Turbo / 2.0 i / 2.3 / 2.3 -16B204I, B204L, B234I131–185 hp1993–1998
    SAAB9000 2.0 / 2.0 -16 / 2.0 -16 CD / 2.0 -16 Turbo / 2.0 -16 Turbo CD / 2.0 Carlsson / 2.0 T16 / 2.3 / 2.3 -16 CD / 2.3 -16 CD Turbo / 2.3 -16 CDE / 2.3 -16 CDE Eco-Power / 2.3 -16 TurboB202, B202I, B202L, B202S, B202XL, B204E, B204I, B204L, B204S, B234E, B234I, B234L, B234R128–224 hp1985–1998
    SAAB9000 Hatchback 2.0 / 2.0 -16 / 2.0 -16 CS / 2.0 -16 ND Turbo / 2.0 -16 Turbo / 2.0 -16 Turbo CS / 2.0 16v / 2.0 T16 / 2.3 / 2.3 -16 Aero CS / 2.3 -16 CS / 2.3 -16 CSE / 2.3 -16 CSE Eco Power / 2.3 -16 Turbo / 2.3 -16 Turbo CSEB202, B202I, B202L, B202S, B202XI, B202XL, B204E, B204I, B204S, B234E, B234I, B234L, B234R125–228 hp1984–1998
    SAAB9-3 (YS3D) 2.0 i / 2.0 SE Turbo / 2.0 Turbo / 2.3 / 2.3 i / 2.3 TurboB204E, B204I, B204L, B204R, B205E, B205L, B205R, B234I, B235R131–230 hp1998–2002
    SAAB9-3 Cabriolet (YS3D) 2.0 i / 2.0 SE Turbo / 2.0 Turbo / 2.3 / 2.3 i / 2.3 TurboB204E, B204I, B204L, B204R, B205E, B205L, B205R, B234I, B235R131–230 hp1998–2003
    SAAB9-5 (YS3E) 2.0 t / 2.0 t BioPower / 2.0 t Biopower / 2.0 Turbo SE / 2.3 / 2.3 t / 2.3 t BioPower / 2.3 TurboB205E, B205L, B235E, B235L, B235R150–305 hp1997–2009
    SAAB9-5 Estate (YS3E) 2.0 t / 2.0 t BioPower / 2.0 t Biopower / 2.3 / 2.3 t / 2.3 t BioPower / 2.3 TurboB205E, B205L, B235E, B235L, B235R150–305 hp1998–2009