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ACL trimetal connecting rod bearings Opel Saab Z22SE Z20NET B207
Set of 8 trimetal connecting rod half-bearings for Opel and Saab Z22SE, Z20NET and B207.
- Brand and treatment: ACL Race
- Compatibility: Astra G, Vectra B, Vectra C, Signum, Zafira A, Speedster, Saab 9-3
- Engine codes: Z22SE, Z20NET, B207
- Available sizes: standard to +0.25 mm, increased-clearance version (HX)
The GM Ecotec Z22SE, Z20NET and B207 four-cylinder engines
The Z22SE is General Motors' 2.2-litre Ecotec inline four with double overhead camshafts and 16 valves, fitted by Opel and Vauxhall; the Z20NET is its 2-litre turbocharged version and the B207 engines power the Saab 9-3. ACL lists the same bearing set for these engines: a single set covers the family.
From the factory, this engine is 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
In a trimetal bearing, a steel back carries a copper-lead intermediate layer with high load capacity, itself covered by an anti-friction running layer that spares the crankpin. The set is supplied complete: 8 half shells, i.e. 4 pairs.
Trimetal targets high, sustained loads, whereas aluminium bi-metal is limited to low to medium loads: about 8,000 psi for the latter, up to 12,000 psi for a performance trimetal, 50% more. The benefit shows in strength and durability on turbo, supercharged and high-revving engines.
Technical specifications
| ACL bearings Crankpin Ø 49.000 / 49.014 mm Housing bore Ø 52.118 / 52.134 mm Width 20.3 mm |
| Reference | Brand and treatment | Size | Wall thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4B2296H-STD | ACL Race - Untreated | Standard | 1.542 |
| 4B2296HX-STD | ACL Race - Untreated | Std, increased clearance (HX) | 1.529 |
| 4B2296H-.025 | ACL Race - Untreated | +0.025 | 1.555 |
| 4B2296H-.25 | ACL Race - Untreated | +0.25 | 1.667 |
Running clearance
Running clearance is the gap between the bearing and the crankpin, filled by the oil film.
While the engine turns, the crankpin floats on this oil film, which carries the load without direct contact with the bearing. Film thickness depends on clearance: too tight, oil passes poorly, temperature rises and the risk of seizure grows; too wide, oil escapes, the film carries less and oil pressure decreases. A correct clearance ensures both sufficient lubrication and a well-maintained film.
| Size / grade | When to choose it | ACL Race Series |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (STD) | Standard journal, not reground | 0.052 to 0.062 mm |
| Increased clearance (HX) | Wider clearance: high oil flow, high rpm | 0.078 to 0.087 mm |
| +0.025 mm | Polished journal | 0.052 to 0.062 mm |
| +0.25 mm | Journal reground to 0.25 mm | 0.052 to 0.062 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.
Technical guide
These ACL trimetal connecting rod bearings are aimed at built engines and racing: where a standard bearing quickly reaches its limit, they accept more power, more rpm and more boost. The range includes the standard size, a +0.025 mm size for a crankpin that has only been polished, a +0.25 mm regrind size and the HX version with increased clearance for high-revving engines or engines needing a high oil flow. It allows the same part number to be kept after the crankshaft is reground and the clearance to be tailored to the oil used and the engine's duty.
The brand
 |
An Australian specialist in high-performance engine bearings since 1949, ACL Bearing Company produces the Race Series: precisely made trimetal bearings, available in numerous sizes and recognised on built engines across the world. |
Vehicle compatibility
This connecting rod bearing set fits the Z22SE, Z20NET and B207 four-cylinder engines of the following Opel and Saab models:
| Brand | Model (chassis) | Engine code | Power | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPEL | SPEEDSTER (E01) | Z22SE | 147 hp | 2000–2005 |
| OPEL | ASTRA G Coupé (T98) | Z22SE | 147 hp | 2000–2005 |
| OPEL | VECTRA B Hatchback (J96) | Z22SE | 147 hp | 2000–2003 |
| OPEL | VECTRA B (J96) | Z22SE | 147 hp | 2000–2002 |
| OPEL | VECTRA B Estate (J96) | Z22SE | 147 hp | 2000–2003 |
| OPEL | ZAFIRA A MPV (T98) | Z22SE | 147 hp | 2000–2005 |
| OPEL | ASTRA G Convertible (T98) | Z22SE | 147 hp | 2001–2005 |
| OPEL | ASTRA G Hatchback (T98) | Z22SE | 147 hp | 2000–2005 |
| OPEL | ASTRA G Saloon (T98) | Z22SE | 147 hp | 2001–2005 |
| OPEL | ASTRA G Estate (T98) | Z22SE | 147 hp | 2001–2004 |
| OPEL | VECTRA C (Z02) | Z22SE, Z20NET | 147–175 hp | 2002–2008 |
| OPEL | VECTRA C GTS (Z02) | Z22SE, Z20NET | 147–175 hp | 2002–2008 |
| OPEL | SIGNUM Hatchback (Z03) | Z20NET | 175 hp | 2003–2008 |
| OPEL | VECTRA C Estate (Z02) | Z20NET | 175 hp | 2003–2008 |
| SAAB | 9-3 (YS3F, E79, D79, D75) | B207E, B207G, B207H, B207L, B207M, B207R | 150–252 hp | 2002–2015 |
| SAAB | 9-3 Estate (E50) | B207E, B207G, B207H, B207L, B207M, B207R | 150–241 hp | 2005–2015 |
| SAAB | 9-3 Convertible (YS3F) | B207E, B207G, B207H, B207L, B207M, B207R | 150–252 hp | 2003–2015 |
| SAAB | 9-3X (YS3) | B207R | 209–212 hp | 2009–2015 |
Why replace the bearings
Replacing the bearings during a build or rebuild guards against the most expensive failure: a worn-out connecting rod bearing scores the crankpin, contaminates the oil circuit with debris and forces at least a crankshaft regrind, or even a new rod and block. Against such costs a new set weighs little: it is the cheapest part of the rotating assembly, but the one whose failure costs the most.
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Brand
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Reference4B2296H-STD
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