I'm building a 383, and i was wondering if the stock rods will hold the power, I'm looking at 450 horse when I'm done.

 

Can stock rods live in a 383??? Yes... But it all depends on your application. If you plan on spinning the motor over 6500, I wouldnt use the stockers.

Unless you're on a tight budget and are building a mild 383, then it would be better to spend a few more bucks and get quality rods. You would still need to have the stock rods resized and fitted with some good rod bolts - instead, you could spend another $100 or so and get a decent set of I-beams. Or spend a little more for some H-beams.

 

I'm not planning to spin it over 6, So you think i sould just get a set of i beam robs, I mean the motor will have about 450 horse???

 

Then yep, they should work just fine...

 

They will work. Just be sure to swap out the factory rod bolts for ARPs.

 

Thanks guys, You just saved me a ton of money. I'm just building a mild engine, Thanks for the info.

 

We put the old rods out of my 97 (checked and new bolts only) into a high strung 355 we built and they seem to be holding up fine at above 6000 rpms we shift just below 7. the car so far has about 12000 on the motor.

 

I wouldnt worry to much about spinning the stock rods a little higher than 6500rpm in a 350 or 355, but to do it with the extra side load a 383s see's - well thats scarry

 

so you are saying the slide load is to much for the stock rod???

 

No, not at all. I'm saying it's probably to much at 7k in a 383 that you'd expect to run consistantly for the next couple of years.

At the rpm you've mentioned I dont think there would be much of a problem.

 

well its my daily driver, I'm not racing the thing. Just want more power out of my car. I'm leaving the shift points at 5700. So the stock rods will be fine???

 

Relax! You'll be fine with the stock rods and that mild of an engine. But as I stated earlier, ARP rod bolts are a must. Very cheap insurance.

 

my caprice had a 381 (.020 over) LT1 stroker with ported heads and comp 503 cam (224/230) + boltons and she was happily spinning to 6300RPM (cant saythe tranny was happy lol) . The stock rods will do just fine.The stock ones are made of powdered metal which is the same rods found in GM's crate (ZZ line) shortblocks so you know they can handle the abuse. (stock LS1's rods are made of PM as well FYI)For a mild buildup (under 500HP) i would suggest a Scat cast crank (from what i hear they are an extremely reliable company and very cheap$$$) stock rods and some hyper pistons (if you dont have smog in your area or if youre runnin nitrous or boost i would suggest forged pistons) because Hypers run at much tighter clearances. Now all you need is a standard melling oil pump (upgrade if you want) and high quality arp bolts and you should be good to go.

 

i've got the scat steel crank, Keith black pistons, What apr bolts should i get??? also should i just see about a whole engine bolt kit??

 

it has a lot to do with run time on the stock rods. I have seen some last for a year or longer,and I have seen others that snapped clean in half after only one trip to the track.

For the price and piece of mind I would just install a set of Eagle H-beams and be done with it.