[JM 35 Sedan]

I prefer using a ball bearing as a pilot bearing with the following construction/qualifications:
1. Well known, high quality bearing manufacturer
2. Bearing must be packed with a good high temperature grease
3. Seals on both sides of bearing
Most of the failed ball bearings that I have seen on early V8's were open face or shielded face bearings. These type ball bearing constructions allowed the grease to come out and the dirt to get into the race area causing failure. I have seen the oil impregnated bronze bushings fail early when heat caused the impregnated oils to bleed out. If anyone wants to see examples of shielded vs. sealed pilot bearings I could add some pictures here. I may even have some failed bronze bushings that I could take pictures of for those who think they are not prone to failure.