Rod bearing question

[ColeWWWeb]

I’ve got a 196 clone engine and I’m just wondering if rod bearings are necessary on the stock connecting arm or if that’s just a billet thing. Thanks!

 

[ole4]

Just a billet thing, on some of the billet rods. Stock rod has no bearings other than the rod itself.

 

[ColeWWWeb]

Just a billet thing, on some of the billet rods. Stock rod has no bearings other than the rod itself.

Thanks

 

[ole4]

Here is a picture of a HS50 billet and stock rod both have no bearing shell, crank rides on rod surface. Second picture are clone stock and billet rods these billet rods take a bearing shell.