Setting bearing clearance for a performance engine is a fundamental step in the building process.

There are no quick and easy ways to establish this critical clearance, but with patience and the right tools, it’s not a monumental task.

You’ll need an accurate micrometer in the range of the journals you will be measuring, along with a dial bore gauge.

The best ones to use are accurate down to 0.0001-inch. With these two tools you can quickly determine the optimal clearances in any engine.

These clearances should allow for proper oiling with minimum friction.

In today’s video, our friends and partners at Summit Racing use their Summit LS engine to demonstrate the process of calculating and checking main bearing clearances.