1931 Franklin Connecting Rods

[arts239]

I am rebuilding the engine in my 1931 Franklin and need to redo the connecting rod bearings. I have been told that a 1950's ( exact year unknown ) PONTIAC insert bearing will work, with some machine work. These inserts should make for a more modern replacement for the original babbit. Has anyone heard of these modern inserts being used to replce the original babbit bearings, and if so what year inserts are used and what has be done to retro fit them ? Thanks for any info and help you can provide.

[Steve Braverman]

The Pontiac bearings are now also obsolete. Bearings from a Toyota Land Cruiser are the current replacement. The rods have to be machined to fit of course. There are several shops that can do this work. Check with Odyssey Restorations in Minnesota. I know they can do it.