Hi guys I'm new to the site. I am going to have my motor rebuilt and am debating whether or not I should get longer rods. I know about the dwell time and less load on the cylinder wall, but are there any real worls data that can support this. Will there be any difference in HP/TQ. Thanks.

 

Welcome

Here's a few good reads for ya:

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...highlight=RODS
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...highlight=RODS
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...highlight=RODS

 

Thanks. One more question. Stock rods are rated to 500 hp. If I have them polished, shoy peened, and bushed, would this yiels more hp capabilities?

 

Don't forget to upgrade the bolts. They are what gives first on stock rods.

But honestly, by the time you did all that to your stock rods, you would have more money in them than they're worth. You can buy a nice set of aftermarket rods for ~$300ish these days. You stock rods just aren't worth the time and effort IMO.

FWIW, I have Scat 4340 forged I-beam rods bushed with 7/16 ARP cap screws (5.7 length btw). I bought them brand new for less than $300. They are stronger than your stock rods would be with all that stuff done to them, and probably cheaper too.

 

I never saw a set of rods I would call "nice" for $300. But everyone has their own ideas. A good set of bolts alone is at least ~$80. So, that leaves about $25-30/rod. I would use a set of stock rods before buying the $300 rods, but YMMV.

Rich

 

I did a search. This is what I found. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SBC-C...34955107QQrdZ1
I think this is nice for under 300.

 

It's nice if you don't mind Chinese parts in your Chevy LT1.

 

Those are exactly what I have, only mine are 5.7


I understand that some of you folks have a problem using Scat and Eagle rods because of where they're made with our cars being domestic and all ...but I promise you that some of the AC Delco parts on your car were made in the same place so that kinda puts it in perspective.

I know there are alot better rods out there, but when your on a tight budget like alot of us are, I don't see how a set of $300 rods that have all the features that mine do is a bad thing...especially in comparison to what it cost to refurbish stock ones

 

I have eagle rods and while they may not be made in america, neither is my damn car so I dont really care. Mitsubishi distributor anyone?

Made in china, assembled in Canada. Its still a pony car.

I would go eagle or scat before I would spend the money on old stock pieces.

 

I would go with an Eagle H-Beam for $400.00 over the SCAT I-Beams on Ebay for $260.00. The difference in price is very minimal over the coarse of an engine rebuilding project.

 

So...have you had any bad experiences out of the the Scat I beams? Just curious cause I have yet to run my new motor...

 

For the cost of my Hbeams, eagle crank 3.5", and srp pistons I could have done the scat stroker crank, scat I beams, and srp pistons, I wish I would have done the 383 instead of the 357, but oh well.

 

I don't have many options since budget is a factor when living on my own and going to school full time and trying to do something I love. Being realistic I will not buy parts that are rated for 800+HP when I plan on making 500 FWHP. Off topic. What is a good flat top 2 valve relief budget piston?

 

I went with Probe, however if I had to do it all over again I would buy Mahle pistons. Don't get me wrong, the probe pistons are pretty nice, but IMO the Mahle's are a better piston, not to mention they come with rings. I have more money in my Probes by the time I bought a set ot total seal rings than I would have had in a set of Mahles that came with rings...

 

Mahles are nice. Sucks being on a budget. Well after I graduate I should have a lot more options. Yeah the total seals are exspenssive. How do you like them?