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ACL and King trimetal connecting rod bearings Ford and Mazda 2.3 turbo L3-VDT EcoBoost

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Set of 8 trimetal connecting rod half-bearings for Mazda L3-VDT and Ford 2.3 EcoBoost.

  • Brands and treatments: ACL Race, King XP, King XPC (pMaxKote)
  • Compatibility: Mazda 3 MPS, Mazda 6 MPS, CX-7, MPV, Ford Focus RS
  • Engine codes: L3-VDT, L3Y7, L3KG, L3M6, L3YH, L3K7, YVDA
  • Available sizes: standard to +0.50 mm, increased-clearance version (HX / STDX)

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  • The Mazda L3-VDT and Ford 2.3 EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engines

    The Mazda L3-VDT (MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo) and the Ford 2.3 EcoBoost are 2.3-litre direct-injection turbocharged inline four-cylinder engines, fitted notably to the Mazda 3 MPS, Mazda 6 MPS, CX-7 and MPV and to the Ford Focus RS. ACL and King list 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

    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 / King bearings
    Crankpin Ø 51.980 / 52.000 mm
    Housing bore Ø 55.021 / 55.034 mm
    Width 17 mm
    ReferenceBrand and treatmentSizeWall thickness (mm)
    4B8172H-STDACL Race - UntreatedStandard1.500
    4B8172HX-STDACL Race - UntreatedStd, increased clearance (HX)1.487
    4B8172H-.025ACL Race - Untreated+0.0251.513
    4B8172H-.25ACL Race - Untreated+0.251.625
    CR4604XPKing Racing - UntreatedStandard1.498
    CR4604XP STDXKing Racing - UntreatedStd, increased clearance (STDX)1.485
    CR4604XP.026King Racing - Untreated+0.0261.511
    CR4604XP0.5King Racing - Untreated+0.501.752
    CR4604XPCKing Racing - pMaxKoteStandard1.498
    CR4604XPC STDXKing Racing - pMaxKoteStd, increased clearance (STDX)1.485
    CR4604XPC.026King Racing - pMaxKote+0.0261.511
    CR4604XPC0.25King Racing - pMaxKote+0.251.625
    CR4604XPC0.5King Racing - pMaxKote+0.501.752

    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 SeriesKing XP / XPC
    Standard (STD)Standard journal, not reground0.055 to 0.065 mm0.059 mm - 0.069 mm
    Increased clearance (HX / STDX)Wider clearance: high oil flow, high rpm0.080 to 0.090 mm0.084 mm - 0.094 mm
    +0.025 / +0.026 mmPolished journal0.055 to 0.065 mm0.059 mm - 0.069 mm
    +0.25 mmJournal reground to 0.25 mm0.055 to 0.065 mm0.059 mm - 0.069 mm
    +0.50 mmJournal reground to 0.50 mm-0.059 mm - 0.069 mm

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

    Plastigauge

    Order the Plastigauge →

    Technical guide

    The ACL and King 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 two brands

    ACLACL 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.
    King RacingKing Engine Bearings, an Israeli manufacturer of high-performance engine bearings since the 1960s, offers with its pMax Black trimetal alloy bearings designed for heavy loads, with a pMaxKote coating available as an option (XPC version).

    Construction and advantages

    CriterionACL Race SeriesKing Racing
    Cross-sectionCross-section of an ACL Race Series trimetal bearingCross-section of a King Racing trimetal bearing
    TypeHigh-performance trimetal bearingHigh-performance trimetal bearing
    Country of manufactureAustraliaIsrael
    ConstructionTrimetal: steel back, copper layer, soft surfaceTrimetal: steel back, copper layer, soft surface
    AlloyRace Series (copper-lead)pMax Black (hardened copper-lead)
    Protective coatingNopMaxKote (optional, XPC version): polymer coating on the surface that limits wear when lubrication drops (start-ups, thin oil film).
    Available sizesStandard to +0.25 mm (+ increased clearance HX)Standard to +0.50 mm (+ increased clearance STDX)

    Vehicle compatibility

    This connecting rod bearing set fits the L3-VDT and 2.3 EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engines of the following Mazda and Ford models:

    BrandModel (chassis)Engine codePowerYears
    FORDFOCUS III 2.3 RS AWDYVDA350 hp2015–2018
    MAZDA6 Saloon (GG) 2.3 MPS Turbo (GG3P) / 2.3 AWD / 2.3 AWD (GG3P)L3-VDT, L3KG260–277 hp2005–
    MAZDA3 (BK) 2.3 DiSi Turbo MPS (BK3P) / 2.3 MPS Turbo (BK14) / 2.3 MPS / 2.3 (BK3P)L3-VDT, L3M6, L3YH250–267 hp2006–2009
    MAZDACX-7 (ER) 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo AWD (ER3P) / 2.3 DISi / 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo AWD (ER103, ER3P) / 2.3 / 2.3 AWD / 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo AWD / 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo / 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo (ER3P)L3-VDT, L3K7, L3Y7238–260 hp2006–2014
    MAZDA3 (BL) 2.3 MPS Turbo (BL14) / 2.3 MPS Turbo / 2.3 MPS Turbo (BL3FW, BL1031)L3-VDT, L3Y7260–267 hp2008–2014
    MAZDAMPV III (LY) 2.3 4WD (LY3P) / 2.3 (LY3P)L3-VDT245 hp2006–
    MAZDA3 Saloon (BK) 2.3 MPSL3-VDT260 hp2004–2009