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General Forums => Air Speed Lounge => Topic started by: Trevor P on February 10, 2009, 10:11:08 AM

Title: Where to get KS bearings
Post by: Trevor P on February 10, 2009, 10:11:08 AM: Anyone know who sells GERMAN Kolbenschmidt bearings?
Title: Re: Where to get KS bearings
Post by: Bob Loblaw on February 10, 2009, 12:15:58 PM: I've got a few sets of different sizes. What specifically are you looking for?
Title: Re: Where to get KS bearings
Post by: Trevor P on February 10, 2009, 04:20:46 PM: Looking for Type 1 mains. Standard crank, standard thrust, 1st over on case.
Title: Re: Where to get KS bearings
Post by: Bob Loblaw on February 12, 2009, 09:09:07 AM: I've only got Mahle bearings in that size, but I do have Kolbenschmidt sets with oversize thrust. CIP has 'em though. 111.198.471.
http://www.cip1.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C24%2D111%2D198%2D471
Quality never comes cheap.
Title: Re: Where to get KS bearings
Post by: Trevor P on February 12, 2009, 08:01:39 PM: It says German quality, but I wonder if that actually means made in Germany. May be some clever wording on their part. I will have to look into that.
Thanks
Title: Re: Where to get KS bearings
Post by: neil68 on February 12, 2009, 10:40:50 PM: Hi Trevor,

The term "German Quality" is now being used by some Chinese suppliers, so we need to be wary of some of those products. CIP1 seems to carry some of those products.

Regarding Kolbenschmidt main bearings, the few sets that I have left say: "Kolbenschmidt Germany" on the sticker, but they used to say "Made in West Germany" or "Made in Germany". I have a feeling that they are all made overseas. Mine say "quality guaranteed by Kolbenschmidt".

I guess the samba would be the best bet for NOS sets. Are you doing another restoration?
Title: Re: Where to get KS bearings
Post by: Trevor P on February 13, 2009, 10:38:53 AM: Quote from: neil68 on February 12, 2009, 10:40:50 PM

I guess the samba would be the best bet for NOS sets. Are you doing another restoration?
You could say that. :-[ I decided to change some stuff on my 2332 so it's gotta come apart again. I don't care for the bearings I intially used so I thought I may as well change them while I'm in there for peace of mind.
Title: Re: Where to get KS bearings
Post by: jim martin on February 14, 2009, 09:23:17 AM: darren turned me on to this recently .calico coatings .you can send them your bearings for coating as well as any other engine components for anti scuff surface treatments .also you can just resend the bearings back for recoating if required.i just bought all new mains and road bearings coated from them .next motor i will send everything pistons valves etc .this looks like a excellent product
http://www.calicocoatings.com/ (http://www.calicocoatings.com/)
Title: Re: Where to get KS bearings
Post by: AlanU on February 19, 2009, 07:47:32 PM: Trevor,

call up Brother VW. Last time I talked to them they were able to get german KS bearings. They are not fans of the new non geman KS bearings. They said its either German KS or red box Mahles were the mains they prefered to use.

5yrs of beating on my 2332 I changed the mains at krocs shop 2yrs ago. Cheap ass mahles lasted 5yrs of alot of abusive street miles and minor track use. That motors been running 12's since day one naturally aspirated. Its seen 8200+ rpms of abuse aswell.

Your 2332 "freshen up" will be a longevity motor with silicon/bronze sleeves. Your not gonna worry about flat cams or lifters problems anymore ;) ;). I'd use German KS and Mahles with confidence.

Did you use silverline Cip specials before??? LOL. I wouldn't blame you for changing your mains.
Title: Re: Where to get KS bearings
Post by: Trevor P on February 20, 2009, 07:12:42 PM: I forget what kind are in there, but I remember them being mexican ones, so yeah probably junk. I will get them from Brothers VW since they are going to do the lifter sleeves anyways. Funny how sometimes the simple things are the hardest ones to find.