Coated Bearings

Performance Coated Porsche Connecting Rod and Main Bearings for Porsche Engines

Our Calico Coated coated Genuine Porsche and OEM bearings are coated with our CT-1 Dry Film Lubricant coating. This coating helps reduce friction and abrasive wear, providing intermittent dry lubrication for all Porsche engines, especially those that may see track or race use. CT-1 is specifically engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of today's high performance engines for both street and race applications. Professional engine builders enjoy a higher level of confidence with increased embedability, strength, and durability over uncoated main and rod bearings. LN Engineering recommends coated main and connecting rod bearings for every Porsche engine rebuild as coated bearings have extended service life over uncoated bearings.

How long does Calico's CT-1 coating last?

Calico's CT-1 dry film lubricants are "sacrificial" in nature and will wear with normal operation. This is preferable to the connecting rod or main bearing wearing as the the sacrificial coating wears instead.

Do I need to adjust running clearances when using coated main and rod bearings?

The CT-1 coating applied by Calico to the main and rod bearings is applied .00025" thick (.0005" on diameter). Since the coating is sacrificial and buildup is minimal, Calico states that making an allowance for coating thickness is typically not necessary and that Calico's CT-1 coating allows for tighter clearances, however we do recommend adjusting running clearances accordingly, especially on engines that will see track use as increased clearances allow for increased oil flow through the bearings for improved cooling and lubrication.

On Porsche Boxster, Cayman, and 911 models with the M96 or M97 engine, we recommend having your crankshaft journals polished and together with our K1 or Carrillo connecting rods that have the big end housing bore resized to our specifications, you the rod bearing clearance should be optimal for street use, but still needs to be verified.

About Calico Coatings

Calico Coatings was founded by racers, for racers. Tracy Trotter, owner and a racer himself, set out to develop the industry's most technologically advanced coatings — with the ability to withstand the extreme conditions of high speed and engine wear. Calico quickly gained a reputation as a leader in high performance with race teams and engine builders to solve issues of friction, wear, heat and corrosion.

Trotter started the company with a little help from a special friend. "After working in the industry for several years I knew I could do this for myself. So, with the little savings I had and a small loan from my grandmother, I opened the doors of Calico Coatings." Starting with only two employees, Calico has now grown to 40 employees, running two shifts in order to meet the growing demands of their customers.

For more than 20 years, the Calico team has worked relentlessly to maintain their reputation as the highest quality coating company in numerous industries in addition to racing. To remain on the cutting edge of coating technology they have also made advancements in thin films. "Our goal is to be the best in the coating business when it comes to quality," said General Manager Jennifer Jenkins. "We have been blessed with an unbelievable team of people at Calico Coatings and they have been the reason for our success through the years."

When many small businesses have struggled to keep afloat, Calico has been able to successfully navigate through the financial challenges of the recent years. In 2007, Calico expanded their operation by adding a laboratory facility dedicated to the research and development of new coatings, including diamond-like coatings. By the end of 2012, Calico combined their operations into their corporate headquarters. Then in 2019, an additional expansion to make room for more thin films machines is now a state-of-the-art, 30,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and research facility located in Denver, NC.

Today, Calico's performance coating knowledge and expertise is in demand across numerous high-performance industries including automotive/motorsports, the U.S. Military, aerospace, molds and dies, diesel engine, firearms and others. In these industries where performance is everything, Calico's coatings provide the needed edge for outstanding results. Calico's arsenal of coatings that can withstand extreme pressure, reduce friction and wear include PECVD, DLC, PVD, TiN, ceramic, Teflon®, thermal, non-stick dry film lubricants and more.

Mahle Clevite 77 Tri-Meal Coated Porsche Connecting Rod Bearings

Clevite rod bearings are a type of engine bearing that is known for their durability and resistance to wear. They are often used in high-performance and racing engines because they can withstand the increased loads and stresses that these engines are subjected to.

Some specific benefits of using Clevite rod bearings include:

• Increased durability: Clevite bearings are made with a special alloy that is designed to withstand high loads and temperatures, which helps to prolong their service life.
• Reduced engine wear: The material used in Clevite bearings is also designed to reduce friction and wear on the engine's crankshaft and connecting rod, which can help to extend the overall life of the engine.
• Improved engine performance: Clevite bearings are designed to reduce friction and maintain precise clearances between the crankshaft and connecting rod, which can help to improve engine performance and efficiency.

Mahle Clevite 77® TriMetal engine bearings have been the industry standard since the first patent on the cast, copper, lead composition decades ago. The success and notoriety Clevite 77 has earned on the track proves the commitment to excellence maintained by all who contribute to the Clevite 77 brand. This track success provides Clevite 77 the ultimate proving ground for technologies that yield results in all passenger car and light vehicle applications. Mahle Clevite's exclusive three layer design (copper-lead alloy layer, precision steel back layer, and electroplated white metal "babbitt" surface layer) is capable of carrying max loads of up to 12,000 psi, can withstand loads up to 60% higher, and offers reduced drag with 40% better protection against seizing compared to OEM bearings. Mahle's TriArmor coated engine bearings further improve performance by adding a high pressure, high load, dry film treatment that further extends bearing life. Mahle Clevite's tri-metal performance connecting rod bearings are now available for aircooled and watercooled Porsche Mezger engines and deliver superior performance to OEM or Genuine Porsche connecting rod bearings.