Main Bearing Studs

Main Bearing Studs: The Bottom-End Hardware That Holds Your Crank in Line

Main bearing studs clamp the main caps to the block and keep the crankshaft's main journals seated true under load. When you push more boost or RPM through a bottom end, the stock main bolts stretch and let the caps walk, which spreads bearing clearance and kills oil film. Swapping to a dedicated main stud kit gives you a more consistent clamp load and lets you torque the caps to a repeatable spec every time you pull the pan. Anyone who has rebuilt a hard-run engine has seen what happens when the main bores don't stay round, and this is the hardware that fights it.

What ThreePiece Stocks

This is a tight, focused category: 4 products in stock right now, spanning 4 brands - ARP, Mahle, ACL and King Engine Bearings. Prices run from $119 to $265, which is the current range for what's on the shelf, not a standing promise. The lineup mixes true stud kits with matched main bearing sets, so you can address the clamp load and the bearings in the same visit.

Application names cover Honda, Audi, Subaru and Dodge platforms. Only one product carries structured fitment data here, listing the Dodge Challenger across a 2015-2024 year range, so treat the rest by matching the engine code in the product name to your build.

How to Choose

Decide first whether you need the studs, the bearings, or both. If your bearings measure good and you're just chasing clamp load, an ARP stud kit is the direct answer. If you're going back together with a fresh crank and want the right clearance, the ACL, King and Mahle sets are matched bearing packages - and note the ACL is a race-series set cut with extra oil clearance, while King offers an oversized size for a reground journal. Match the engine family exactly: a 1.8T set won't help an FA20, and oversize bearings only work with a machined crank.

What Else You Need

Plan the whole bottom end in one order. Browse full Bearings if you're replacing rods and thrust as well, and look at Pistons, Gasket Kits and Head Gaskets for the reseal. Keep clean oil moving with new Oil Filters, and see the full Engine Components section for supporting hardware and Fittings.

Fitment Help and Ordering

Not sure which set matches your engine code? Call fitment help at 813-535-5801 or reach us through contact us before you order. Every order ships free, and Affirm financing is available at checkout.

Main Bearing Studs: The Bottom-End Hardware That Holds Your Crank in Line

Main bearing studs clamp the main caps to the block and keep the crankshaft's main journals seated true under load. When you push more boost or RPM through a bottom end, the stock main bolts stretch and let the caps walk, which spreads bearing clearance and kills oil film. Swapping to a dedicated main stud kit gives you a more consistent clamp load and lets you torque the caps to a repeatable spec every time you pull the pan. Anyone who has rebuilt a hard-run engine has seen what happens when the main bores don't stay round, and this is the hardware that fights it.

What ThreePiece Stocks

This is a tight, focused category: 4 products in stock right now, spanning 4 brands - ARP, Mahle, ACL and King Engine Bearings. Prices run from $119 to $265, which is the current range for what's on the shelf, not a standing promise. The lineup mixes true stud kits with matched main bearing sets, so you can address the clamp load and the bearings in the same visit.

Application names cover Honda, Audi, Subaru and Dodge platforms. Only one product carries structured fitment data here, listing the Dodge Challenger across a 2015-2024 year range, so treat the rest by matching the engine code in the product name to your build.

How to Choose

Decide first whether you need the studs, the bearings, or both. If your bearings measure good and you're just chasing clamp load, an ARP stud kit is the direct answer. If you're going back together with a fresh crank and want the right clearance, the ACL, King and Mahle sets are matched bearing packages - and note the ACL is a race-series set cut with extra oil clearance, while King offers an oversized size for a reground journal. Match the engine family exactly: a 1.8T set won't help an FA20, and oversize bearings only work with a machined crank.

What Else You Need

Plan the whole bottom end in one order. Browse full Bearings if you're replacing rods and thrust as well, and look at Pistons, Gasket Kits and Head Gaskets for the reseal. Keep clean oil moving with new Oil Filters, and see the full Engine Components section for supporting hardware and Fittings.

Fitment Help and Ordering

Not sure which set matches your engine code? Call fitment help at 813-535-5801 or reach us through contact us before you order. Every order ships free, and Affirm financing is available at checkout.