Topic: Mains/ big end shell sizes

[Phil]

I apologise - I realise other threads exist on how to identify which size shells to use (colours on shells/ stampings on crankcases) but they do not help in my situation. I would appreciate your help here.

My engine is a full-spec race engine - no expense spared - should be about 90bhp. It is made of parts from different engines: F2 crankcases which have been bead-blasted; K2 crank which has been lightened an polished. I am using Carillo rods. Big ends first - i understand that Carillos use YELLOW big end shells - is that correct? Now main bearing shells - I have measured the journals on the crank with a digital micrometer. The readings are:
1 - 35.984
2 - 35.971
3 - 36.003
4 - 35.986
5 - 35.975

Please, please keep in mind - the Carillo con-rod bolts CANNOT be re-used (and cost a fortune) so using Plastiguage is NOT an option!
Yes, I can use Plastiguage to check the mains shells, but which ones do I start with - I don't really want to buy the entire set to test! But will if I have to. Many thanks to anyone who can help.

[MRieck]

I apologise - I realise other threads exist on how to identify which size shells to use (colours on shells/ stampings on crankcases) but they do not help in my situation. I would appreciate your help here.

My engine is a full-spec race engine - no expense spared - should be about 90bhp. It is made of parts from different engines: F2 crankcases which have been bead-blasted; K2 crank which has been lightened an polished. I am using Carillo rods. Big ends first - i understand that Carillos use YELLOW big end shells - is that correct? Now main bearing shells - I have measured the journals on the crank with a digital micrometer. The readings are:
1 - 35.984
2 - 35.971
3 - 36.003
4 - 35.986
5 - 35.975

Please, please keep in mind - the Carillo con-rod bolts CANNOT be re-used (and cost a fortune) so using Plastiguage is NOT an option!
Yes, I can use Plastiguage to check the mains shells, but which ones do I start with - I don't really want to buy the entire set to test! But will if I have to. Many thanks to anyone who can help.

Mostly. The big end bores are minimal factory ID. People have been known to hone the big end.......though l know big ends can be tricky. Well...not that tricky....anyway. Greens will always work.........a bold statement.

[Don R]

 It seems to be a black art. The thread I had going here in the high performance section had some good information. I assume you found that one. Good luck.

 Edit, I bumped it up just in case.

[Big Jay]

You heard wrong about the Carrillo bolts.  They can be retorqued. We probably install more Carillo rods on cranks than anyone else.

[madmtnmotors]

You heard wrong about the Carrillo bolts.  They can be retorqued. We probably install more Carillo rods on cranks than anyone else.

That's what I was thinking too. I might not reuse them if they were disassembled after having been heavily flogged for a season (or more) of racing, but for the initial assembly I would expect that they could be re-torqued for the purpose of validating bearing clearance. Stop a couple of ft-lbs shy of maximum torque and use the maximum torque value for final assembly?