Ok, which should I be getting? I am redoing my motor, and I will be getting 6 inch rods. Should I go with H beam or I beam, and which brand for forged connecting rods for a 3.75 stroke crankshaft?

 

Some of it depends on who makes the rod, I-beams are plenty strong if they are good ones. Most builders think the chinese H-beam rods are fine even if they might not like the cranks. You are going to have to clearance the block and check the cam clearance and the rods you choose can make it easy or hard. You want rods clearanced for a stroker. I am doing a 383 with 6" rods & I used the Lunati pro-mod rods and was happy with the amount of clearance they provide. I don't have personal experience with the others on a Chevy - I have heard some are better than others, and some are really bad with the clearance issues. If you end up grinding the rods or rod bolts for cam clearance, make sure you do it before sending it out for balancing.

 

yeah, that was what I was worried about, the balance. If my crank is already internally balanced, do I have to have that balanced again with the pistons and rods? do they balance it as one piece or what?

 

You have to balance the crank for the pistons and rods you use no matter which style you pick.

Bret

 

alright, good to know. So which style is better for a street car with 440 rwhp in a stroker format?

 

alright, I am leaning towards the scat, as that is what my builder recommends. Part number 2-ICR6000-7/16. Any experiences with them??

 

Yep they are good rods and perfect for your application.

Bret

 

I pretty much use Manley rods exclusively, but the Scat's mentioned above are a good piece for the price. And I prefer a well designed I-beam.

 

alright cool! I just want to make sure before I jump into this again! I want everything to be done right so I dont have to do it a fifth damn time. LOL.

 

another thing, my block has been clearanced for a 3.75 stroke crank with stock LT1 rods, when I step up to the 6 inch rods on the same crank, am I going to have to do much grinding with those scat rods?

 

most likely no.... but it's a good idea to check and make sure they clear the cam in the top of the bolt area before you balance them. It's not going to hurt anything but it's something to look out for.

Bret

 

I personally like I beam rods, but then again, Im doing more Road Racing type driving than anything and I definatly did not want to have the extra weight of the H beam, and the strength difference is marginal with a good I beam compared to a good H beam.

I use Probe rods myself. I actually hung new Probe Industries pistons (part number 12343) and Probe lightweight I beam rods (part number 10068) and a SCAT 4340 Forged crank (3.48" stroke)

All in all I have a fairly lightweight rotating assembly that should accept the revvs that I will be throwing at it quite well... Although Im sure the splayed 4 bolt caps wont hurt me either!

 

yeah, I am thinkin H beams are overkill for me at this point and this motor, so I will go with I for now. Thanks for the help!