Basic FE Assembly

[mammyjammer]

I would like to start a thread on basic FE engine assembly. I'm building a mild 428 and I will need some guidance from this brain trust.
First off I have a parts recommendation request:

What brand bearings?
I have local access to Clevite, Sealed Power, Speed Pro and King Bearings. Never heard of King,  so I think they are out of the mix.
 

[ScotiaFE]

I would recommend a 3/4 groove bearing.
King makes high performance bearings with an excellent reputation.

[jayb]

+1 on 3/4 groove mains.  I always use Speed Pro 125M main bearings.

[blykins]

I use a little of everything....mainly 125M or King bearings on the mains.  I like the ACL stuff for rods.

[Barry_R]

I prefer either Federal-Mogul (parent of both Speed-Pro and Sealed Power) or Clevite for brands.  The F-M 125M is the only FE 3/4 groove and what I always use.  I will use either the F-M or Clevite race rod bearings.

[CaptCobrajet]

I like the Kings myself.  I use the 3/4 groove Speed Pro on alum blocks.  On daily drivers I like the full groove King because it oils the lower bearing faster at start-up.  A full groove should be set up for a tighter running clearance as it has 360 degrees oiling.  I like oiling a main bearing from the bottom but you can blow alot of oil through there if you go too loose with it. JMO.  Clevite main bearings in high HP stuff usually flake, where the 125M or King will not flake.  The King rod bearing is the best for the FE bearing size, in my opinion.  I will not use anything in an FE rod housing bore except a King right now.  If you go to a 2.200 journal, the Clevite and Speed Pro race stuff are my pick.  I lean toward the Clevite on that because it is not as wide, and generous radii on the rod journals never interfere.