C.A.T makes cheap rods too, they look just like a eagle rod...

anyone know where they come from? I got the catalog and the buy in info.......they say the place is in the usa but nothing says where it comes from.

 

CAT is chinese stuff too IIRC.

 

Does this look like the same C.A.T. company? If so, they're in Baldwin Park, California, about 5 miles from where I live. I checked with one of my major parts suppliers and his opinion of C.A.T. was definitely luke-warm. All imported parts and directing their market appeal toward those who want the lowest price regardless of quality? I'd be very careful.

c

 

I wouldn't use it, I was just wondering.......

I like how they have US adresses in big print on all the boxes, like eagle has that big *** TENN. on the box.....really depressing.

 

But I bet most people here have never had one. I agree about the piston - that is the weakest point in the RA for nitrous or forced induction and is where the $$$ should go first. Obviously, an extreme combo is going to stress everything and is where lots of maintainence and high $$$ parts pay off. Most of what the folks on this board do does not require either. In my case, the Camaro needs high dollar stuff but seemingly paradoxically, my race car does not. Other than the pistons, which is back to where we started.

Rich

 

if your gonna upgrade i would go with forged 6" with matching pistons otherwise I don't see any need in ditching the stockers.

 

one thing you pointed out before that should be noted is people "overbuild" the bottom end 9 times out of ten....

an occasional 150 hit of dope does not rerquire the bottom end I see alot of people building.

someone from this board has run some cheap hyperutectic pistons, a stock turned 400 crank and a stock rod and it lasted for years upon years of abuse and he sprayed it once in a while....he had about $400 in the bottom end. It spun a bearing, fixed that and sold it....it ran 137 mph. But had a good *** head on it.

 

you have those rods confused with the much better pro comp i beams with the 7/16 bolts. those would be the only ones id consider.

 

You are correct.

 

hold on...am i reading this correct? i wanna build a reliable 355 that MIGHT see maybe a 100 shot of spray, and all i'd need is pistons? the stock rods are okay? am i right here?

 

yeah. 100 shot the stock pistons are good as long as you don't **** up or get greedy

 

I've already got a set of TRW forged pistons in the motor. I'm having all the bearings and rings replaced. Figured it might be a good idea to go lighter on the rod too.

 

its not enough of a differnce to do anything.


how about you just buy some rods when you stick on of those out the bottom of the oil pan?

 

Ha! Got ya... I'm waiting on the UPS man to deliver my NX kit.

 

i ran a wet 175 shot with 255 pump religiously on my STOCK BOTTOM END 96 for years with only traction as a problem