3\8 dimple rods instead than 7\16: a problem?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 753
Likes: 0
3\8 dimple rods instead than 7\16: a problem?
Today I have removed the oil pan and as I suspected , I found there on my 69 427 the connecting rods to be 3\8 dimple rods .
this seems to be the weakest point of my engine...-L88 cam , steel crank, mech lifters, 4 bolts mains, TRW forged pistons
but how much power can these rods stand with non ARP bolts and nuts? I can possibly fit the ARP later ,but not now for sure.is there a way to check if bolts-nuts are ARP or oem?
with the new GMperformance heads I'm in the 550hp region...I expect to go on the track once per month , but in the remaining time , spirited , fast driving staying far below 6500 rpm. I usually feel good shifting the gears at about 5500rpm and i expect to pull the 4th to 6500 rpm only to get max speed
at the end , should I worry to don't have the stronger 7\16 rods?
is it a good idea to check torque or retorque the nuts at rods?the engine was completed in 2001 and the PO drived the car always in quiet , city drive , never pulling the engine to hi rpm
this seems to be the weakest point of my engine...-L88 cam , steel crank, mech lifters, 4 bolts mains, TRW forged pistons
but how much power can these rods stand with non ARP bolts and nuts? I can possibly fit the ARP later ,but not now for sure.is there a way to check if bolts-nuts are ARP or oem?
with the new GMperformance heads I'm in the 550hp region...I expect to go on the track once per month , but in the remaining time , spirited , fast driving staying far below 6500 rpm. I usually feel good shifting the gears at about 5500rpm and i expect to pull the 4th to 6500 rpm only to get max speed
at the end , should I worry to don't have the stronger 7\16 rods?
is it a good idea to check torque or retorque the nuts at rods?the engine was completed in 2001 and the PO drived the car always in quiet , city drive , never pulling the engine to hi rpm
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Today I have removed the oil pan and as I suspected , I found there on my 69 427 the connecting rods to be 3\8 dimple rods .
this seems to be the weakest point of my engine...-L88 cam , steel crank, mech lifters, 4 bolts mains, TRW forged pistons
but how much power can these rods stand with non ARP bolts and nuts? I can possibly fit the ARP later ,but not now for sure.is there a way to check if bolts-nuts are ARP or oem?
with the new GMperformance heads I'm in the 550hp region...I expect to go on the track once per month , but in the remaining time , spirited , fast driving staying far below 6500 rpm. I usually feel good shifting the gears at about 5500rpm and i expect to pull the 4th to 6500 rpm only to get max speed
at the end , should I worry to don't have the stronger 7\16 rods?
is it a good idea to check torque or retorque the nuts at rods?the engine was completed in 2001 and the PO drived the car always in quiet , city drive , never pulling the engine to hi rpm
this seems to be the weakest point of my engine...-L88 cam , steel crank, mech lifters, 4 bolts mains, TRW forged pistons
but how much power can these rods stand with non ARP bolts and nuts? I can possibly fit the ARP later ,but not now for sure.is there a way to check if bolts-nuts are ARP or oem?
with the new GMperformance heads I'm in the 550hp region...I expect to go on the track once per month , but in the remaining time , spirited , fast driving staying far below 6500 rpm. I usually feel good shifting the gears at about 5500rpm and i expect to pull the 4th to 6500 rpm only to get max speed
at the end , should I worry to don't have the stronger 7\16 rods?
is it a good idea to check torque or retorque the nuts at rods?the engine was completed in 2001 and the PO drived the car always in quiet , city drive , never pulling the engine to hi rpm
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
The first L88`s used 3/8 rod bolts with a full floating pin that was flash chromed on the small end......Is 8500 RPM in your future? Some of mine got that high and was recorded on a S/W mechanical tattle tail tach
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
Some folks claim the 3/8" rods are stronger since there's not as much metal removed for the bolt hole. Add some ARP rod bolts and you should be good to go. I know guys that have beat hell out of 454's with cast cranks and stock thumb rods/bolts for years without problems.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 753
Likes: 0
thanks everybody,
I feel better now...
I'll contact the man who made the car and engine and ask him if he remembers which bolts on those rods (if aftermarket or not). But many years has passed and probably he can't remember.
could someone post a link for suitable ARP rod bolts on Summit or Jegs, so I will buy them at first chance?
I'll check also if I have pressed pins or floating asap
as usual, thanks for your valuable help
p.s. the oil pan looks to be the good BB type , with upper shield and that metal encase down around the oil pickup...
I feel better now...
I'll contact the man who made the car and engine and ask him if he remembers which bolts on those rods (if aftermarket or not). But many years has passed and probably he can't remember.
could someone post a link for suitable ARP rod bolts on Summit or Jegs, so I will buy them at first chance?
I'll check also if I have pressed pins or floating asap
as usual, thanks for your valuable help
p.s. the oil pan looks to be the good BB type , with upper shield and that metal encase down around the oil pickup...
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
