Pros and Cons of Toga Bearings versus Stock Bearings

[NSNMotorsports]

Wanted to have an open discussion on the use of Toga bearings or use of stock bearings.

The Toga's are supposedly higher performance and withstand heat and pressure a bit better. I've heard though they are not much better than stock. Additionaly rumor from a good source made it sound like the bearings would wear rather quickly and/or may chew at the crank a bit.

So thus the question... the higher performance bearings that may bring issues with them, or the possibly less robust stock bearings? I'm going to continue asking around and getting opinions, but I wanted to have a thread up to publish that information in as well as to solicit opinions with so many good and knowledgeable people on these boards!

Thanks guys,

Steve
(TurfBurn)

 

[changedman]

eh, im getting these in my new motor at THIS point, but this is making me nervous

 

[NSNMotorsports]

eh, im getting these in my new motor at THIS point, but this is making me nervous

Ditto that!! Beau seemed generally in favor of them, but Nick seemed cautious about them. So I'm a little on the fence. Nobody has given a ringing or solid endorsement one way or another... I have the Toga's on my desk, and frankly from a quality standpoitn look like crap. Rough edges, bad chamfers etc... the bearing surfaces however look fine. Just the other portions look like crap.

 

[changedman]

pics? I need to decide what I should do

 

[ddogg777]

I have the Toga's on my desk, and frankly from a quality standpoitn look like crap. Rough edges, bad chamfers etc... the bearing surfaces however look fine. Just the other portions look like crap.

Steve, I have the Togas too and I do not see or feel any of what you are describing. In fact, I think they look very well made. They may even be made by Clevite because their description (Toga's) and Clevite's are the same. Are you sure you have the right set and not the toplines?


importperformanceparts.net
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" bordercolor="#111111" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="760"> <tbody><tr><td align="center" valign="top" width="100%">

<center><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td colspan="3" align="center" valign="top">TOGA High Performance Main & Rod Bearings
Mazda Series</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" valign="top">

</td> <td align="center" valign="middle"> Stock bearings are made for stock applications, but today's Imports are stretching the abilities of stock components and demanding much more.

Toga HP Bearings are meeting those demands and extending the life of today's performance Import motors. </td> <td align="right" valign="top">

</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </center>​

</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" valign="top" width="100%"> TOGA Performance Bearings Feature:

Most Toga HP Series Mains sets are full grooved to maximize oil flow to the rod bearing. Both rods & mains have a high crush for max retention and reduced overlay thickness to prevent fatigue. Rod bearings use hardened steel backs for added strength.

Toga HP bearings should be used wherever high RPM's (above 6000), nitrous, superchargers, turbochargers or any application where above normal HP & RPM's are made.

All motors benefit from these HP bearings. These bearings will give longer life to any engine by increasing oil to the pins & eliminating oil starvation.

All bearings are Tri-metal cast copper lead with copper lead lining to withstand engine loads, along with electroplating babbitted overlay providing optimum service. All bearings are stamped with a red HP.

All bearings are available in Standard, 10 over and 20 over.
You can mix the main and rod sizes. </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" valign="top" width="100%"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" valign="top" width="100%"> Bearings come with a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. </td></tr></tbody> </table>
Make/Model Engine Code Year Description
fuel inj.
unless noted Mains #
Price Rods #
Price Combo
Price Mazda 626 MX6 FS 93-00 16 valve DOHC 4cyl. MBMA17-HP
$69 RBMA17-HP
$69 $125
Save $13

 

[Brian MP5T]

Subscribed because I have the same problem....

 

[Brian MP5T]

The stock ones will fit the Oliver Rods.

How Big Is The Price Diference?

 

[TurfBurn]

The price difference is minimal if anything... the Toga's may even be cheaper. I am going with them on this build... I showed them to my machinist and he said that was real typical of them to look the way they do (not of Toga's, but of bearings in general). Just look real close at the chamfers on the edges and you'll see that they are not real even. Also, the backing plates aren't exactly "pretty" but they don't have to be. It wasn't a big deal... I was just expecting something a little more refined looking than I got.

Taking the last parts to the engine builder today! So he's fully let loose at this point to finish the machining on my motor. Hopefully I'll have it back in 2-3 weeks .

 

[Brian MP5T]

I'm looking at the TOGA now, but if the stock ones are the same, I might just go stock from my Mazda Dealer. Less F-ckery

 

[TurfBurn]

The Toga's are supposedly slightly harder and better for dealing with higher temps. So they may be worthwhile. And flatlander is pretty quick about the shipping and so forth...

make sure you order thrust washers as well.. i forgot to the first time around.

 

[Brian MP5T]

Just called Mazda. The stock ones are $85.00 CDN for a complete set. Ordered the stock ones.

People here can't tell the diference and I dont think it will make one.

The mailorder s*** is just not worth it. They will be here Friday morning.

 

[ddogg777]

I'm looking at the TOGA now, but if the stock ones are the same, I might just go stock from my Mazda Dealer. Less F-ckery

Brian, it sounds like you are very worried about your setup. I would suggest buying all stock components (because they are the best :sarcasm and then go back to N/A so that you don't have any problems.

 

[TurfBurn]

Nothing wrong with being sure... I've spent many an hour researching to figure things out to the best that I can... keep in mind that there is a lot of conflicting info out there... for example we have two good engine builders MPNick and Mental Addicition that both have completely opposite opinions on the best route when it comes to head studs or bolts. There is dissention among some as well over the Toga's being better or not. (I know the racing teams haven't had much luck with them... saying they were only a hair better than the stock bearings if at all).

So I definitely see where Brian is coming from. I'm going to build the way I am and then see what breaks.. not much else I can do at this point...

 

[TurfBurn]

complete set of rods and mains? as I believe a set of mains or rods in the toga's is probably about that in canadian, and like 120 or something for all of them together...

You can get parts much cheaper for Mazda if you call mazdastuff.com or some of the others dealers that specialize in internet sales of the parts.

 

[Brian MP5T]

Brian, it sounds like you are very worried about your setup. I would suggest buying all stock components (because they are the best :sarcasm and then go back to N/A so that you don't have any problems.

I'm just saying that the stock ones are the same and are cheaper, plus I do not have to order them from the States (Border Is A Pain In The Ass)

Win Win Situation.

 

[Brian MP5T]

complete set of rods and mains? as I believe a set of mains or rods in the toga's is probably about that in canadian, and like 120 or something for all of them together...

You can get parts much cheaper for Mazda if you call mazdastuff.com or some of the others dealers that specialize in internet sales of the parts.

My parts guy can often give me "Shop Rate" for parts here. It's so not worth digging around for the best price but thanks for the info. I don't need any more parts for my rebuild. just these and I can begin to rebuild. The Ceramic coating was just going to be yet another step in a long process that IMO is a waste of money. The pistons were never the problem in this car, the rods are the weak point, I have see people cheap out and use stock pistons with better rods in their rebuild.

 

[ddogg777]

I see...

 

[TurfBurn]

sounds like you are on the right path either way Brian. So good to hear you have it worked out!

 

[low_psi]

It'll be interesting to see how everyone's motor holds up with the differnt combos of parts but tons of boost

 

[Paul]

any update on how these are?
does any other company make bearings?