Need recommendations for connecting rods between Eagle H-beam and Scat I-beam 6" rods. Planning a 383 rebuild using a machined LT1 block w/ 4-bolt mains, Scat 9000 steel crank, Lunati forged pistons, CC 306 cam, and Lloyd Elliott heads. Plan to run 100-150 shot and rwhp goal is ~400 na.
Thanks!

 

I think you would be fine with I beam rods. I have heard that you only need H rods for high boosted or nitrous engines. Best bet, to make sure though, is to call up Bauer Racing, CM, etc. You get the idea.

 

400 NA + 150 shot.....Ild do the H-Beams....also consider 5.7 or 5.85 rods. The wrist pins will be away from the ring lands...better for a power adder app.

 

IMO I would either go h-beams or billet I-beams.A forged I-beam isn't strong enuff.

 

I don't know where this H-beam v. I-beam thing comes from. There are good rods with both designs. In case you think H-beam rods are inherently stronger, you had better tell Oliver and other makers of high end rods. Scat and Eagle are both decent low-mid priced rods.

Rich Krause

 

It's not really a one vs the other as much as it is my wanting to know which set of rods would be most appropriate for my set-up. With ~$150 difference in price in this particular case, I need some "expert" advice before I make the purchase. Thanks!

 

if you were going stricly NA, I would say the I beams would suffice just fine, but with wanting to spray on top of that, I'd go with the Eagle H beams. And they go on ebay all the time for pretty cheap, you might check there as well.

 

I haven't looked at their catalog recently, but doesn't Scat make a variety of different rods? Which ones are you considering?

Rich Krause

 

The're the Scat 4340 forged I-beams for a LT1 for sale on this board. That's all the info posted. These are new and the asking price is <$300.
Thanks!

 

I dont think anyone said the H design was inherently stonger. I assumed he was talking about the lowerend forged Scat I-beams v the forged eagle h-beams. Between those 2 the eagle h-beam is the better choice IMO, but your point is well taken.

 

Speed-O-Motive sells 4340 forged H-Beam rods for $400 a set. Floating pin with oilers, bronze bushings, and ARP 12 point cap screws. I'm currently building a 386 SBC (Non-LT1) for our '77 Camaro. The rotating assembly was bought as a kit with a custom 3.56" 4130 crank, 4340 6.125" H-Beams, JE pistons, and Clevite bearings for around $1500. The quality of all their products was excellent.
BTW, a 386 is a .030" over destroked 400 (4.155" bore)

What many people don't know is, most raw rod forgings are only manufactuered by a handful of foundries. It may surprise alot of you that most are forged overseas, also. With that knowledge, it appears as though the quality of the rod itself comes down to the final machining. S-O-M's machining was top quality, and all the clearances came up perfect.

Frank