Can anybody get me a good price on AE "sputter" big end bearings for an XE engine (early crank type) on std shell sizes?

I can get them though my local supplier but cheap they are not!!!

The Lead-Copper ones are MUCH cheaper but only available in 8 valve width which is a few thou narrower and actually no stronger than std white-metal 16v bearings apparently.

Have you tried AutoVaux? I can get trade price through Vauxhall, but they are bound to be more expensive !!

www.autovaux.co.uk

I'm after uprated ones though, not std material bearings.

Autovaux are certainly good, have had a few things from them in the past, but I need the sputter bearings really, not keen on the std ones after having some "incidents" on the rally car in the past!

Ah ok... SBD ? Sure they'll be as expensive. there are a few others but sure you know them all !

IIRC the sputter bearings are also 1mm narrower than XE, having been originally destined for the lo-blo diesel...

The other option are the genuine GM bearings. Unless they have recently come down in price, are bloody expensive though...