I have done some searching and havent really came up with anything.
I recently did a 355 forged bottom end with eagle 5.7 H-Beam rods.
After some miles I noticed a very faint tapping, or brushing noise coming from the bottom end.
Pulled the pan to check all clearances, Rod bolts and etc. looked fine.

The windage tray had some marks, Come to find out, two of the rod bolts(ARP) were hitting the windage tray.

Just trying to help some people out and let them know, Always check the clearances, Even the ones you wouldnt expect.

 

I had the same problem, except mine were 6" rods. I just left mine off instead of clearancing it.

 

you are missing out on some "free" hp by not running a windage tray.

Rich

 

Yeah I just clearanced the windage tray, Little banging goes a long way,
Also grinded on some rod bolts, They were a little too close to the pan rails on the block.

Joseph

 

yes.. Eagle rods w/ ARP bolts will have clearance issues.

Your best option is to get longer studs for your main caps. Studs from a 400+ big block.. GM has them..
THat way you can lower your windage tray closer to the oil pan and still have enough thread on the stud to put your jam nut back on to hold the windage tray in place..

 

Grinding something like a rod bolt doesnt seem like a bright idea to me.

 

Seen it done pretty often, Grinding a very small amount (< .040") to get the proper clearance doesnt seem that bad, especially on the head of the bolt

 

Its the head of the bolt, like it changes the strength of the bolt, nore does it affect the torque anyway