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Trimetal connecting rod bearings Nissan GT-R VR38DETT
Set of 12 trimetal connecting rod half-bearings for Nissan VR38DETT V6.
- Brands and treatments: ACL Race and King Racing (pMaxKote coating)
- Compatibility: GT-R R35, GT-R NISMO
- Engine codes: VR38DETT
- Available sizes: standard to +0.25 mm, increased-clearance version (HX); King: standard
The Nissan VR38DETT V6
The VR38DETT is Nissan's 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 with double overhead camshafts and 24 valves, fitted to the GT-R (R35) since 2007. ACL offers a complete Race Series connecting rod bearing set for this engine. King offers the CR6870XPNC, a narrow version (15.9 mm) designed for the large-fillet crankshafts of this engine.
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.
For these connecting rod bearings, the Nissan workshop manual specifies a running clearance of 0.055 to 0.068 mm.
Trimetal connecting rod bearings
Three layers make up a trimetal bearing: the steel back for stiffness, the copper-lead intermediate layer for load capacity, then the anti-friction running layer that protects the crankpin. This set includes 12 half shells, that is 6 pairs.
Where an aluminium bi-metal bearing, designed for low to medium loads, withstands about 8,000 psi, a performance trimetal bearing goes up to 12,000 psi: 50% extra margin. That is what keeps it durable on an engine boosted by a turbo or supercharger, or pushed to high rpm.
Technical specifications
| ACL / King bearings Crankpin Ø 55.943 / 55.961 mm (King : 55.940 / 55.960 mm) Housing bore Ø 59.000 / 59.013 mm (King : 59.000 / 59.010 mm) Width 19 mm (ACL), 15.9 mm (King) |
| Reference | Brand and treatment | Size | Wall thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6B2500H-STD | ACL Race - Untreated | Standard | 1.512 |
| 6B2500HX-STD | ACL Race - Untreated | Std, increased clearance (HX) | 1.4995 |
| 6B2500H-.25 | ACL Race - Untreated | +0.25 | 1.637 |
| CR6870XPNC | King Racing - pMaxKote (narrow version) | Standard | 1.510 |
Running clearance
Between the crankpin and the bearing there is a small gap, the running clearance, in which the oil film circulates.
In operation there is no metal-to-metal contact: the crankpin turns on this oil film, which supports the whole load. The clearance determines its thickness. A clearance that is too tight hinders oil flow, heats the assembly and promotes seizure; one that is too wide lets oil leak away, weakens the film and makes oil pressure drop. The correct clearance balances oil flow and film strength.
| Size / grade | When to choose it | ACL Race Series | King XPNC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (STD) | Standard journal, not reground | 0.058 to 0.069 mm | 0.056 mm - 0.068 mm |
| Increased clearance (HX) | Wider clearance: high oil flow, high rpm | 0.083 to 0.094 mm | |
| +0.25 mm | Journal reground to 0.25 mm | 0.058 to 0.069 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
Designed for engine building and motorsport, these ACL and King trimetal connecting rod bearings carry much more load than an original bearing, whether the engine gains power, revs higher or receives a turbo or supercharger. They are available in several sizes: the standard size, a +0.25 mm regrind size and the HX version with increased clearance for high-revving engines or engines needing a high oil flow. That makes it possible to put a reground crankshaft back into service without changing range and to set the clearance for the oil and use.
The two brands
 |
ACL Bearing Company has been making high-performance engine bearings in Australia since 1949. Its Race Series offers precise trimetal bearings, available in many sizes and proven in tuned and racing engines worldwide. |
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King 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 and XPNC versions). |
Construction and advantages
| Criterion | ACL Race Series | King Racing |
| Cross-section |  |
 |
| Type | High-performance trimetal bearing | High-performance trimetal bearing |
| Country of manufacture | Australia | Israel |
| Construction | Trimetal: steel back, copper layer, soft surface | Trimetal: steel back, copper layer, soft surface |
| Alloy | Race Series (copper-lead) | pMax Black (hardened copper-lead) |
| Protective coating | No | pMaxKote (optional, XPC and XPNC versions): polymer coating on the surface that limits wear when lubrication drops (start-ups, thin oil film). |
| Available sizes | Standard to +0.25 mm (+ increased clearance HX) | Standard |
Vehicle compatibility
This connecting rod bearing set fits the VR38DETT V6 of the following Nissan models:
| Brand | Model (chassis) | Engine code | Power | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN | GT-R (R35) V6 / NISMO | VR38DETT | 480–608 hp | since 2007 |
Why replace the bearings
When a connecting rod bearing gives way, the damage quickly spreads beyond the part itself: a scored crankpin, debris carried through the whole oil circuit, a crankshaft to regrind at the very least, sometimes a rod and block lost. A bearing set costs far less than a regrind and is nothing compared with a complete engine rebuild. It is the cheapest part of the rotating assembly, yet the one whose failure is most expensive.
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Brand
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Reference6B2500H-STD
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