Aluminum rods???
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 2
From: Austin, TX
Aluminum rods???
I'm slowly working on planning out a new motor for next year (have the bare block so far, nothing else). It's going to be about 75% street, 25% roadrace. Either a 350 or 383.
Last time we had a motor built was in the mid 80's. At that time, you couldn't even consider aluminum rods in a street motor because they didn't last too long. I'm assuming this is still the case and I should go with some good billit steel rods (like C&A, lunati, etc.), but wanted to see if anyone was aware of any drastic improvements in aluminum rod longevity?
Thanks!
Last time we had a motor built was in the mid 80's. At that time, you couldn't even consider aluminum rods in a street motor because they didn't last too long. I'm assuming this is still the case and I should go with some good billit steel rods (like C&A, lunati, etc.), but wanted to see if anyone was aware of any drastic improvements in aluminum rod longevity?
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Re: Aluminum rods??? (MarkBychowski)
Same deal, not recommended for a street car. Certainly their longevity is improved, but not to the point where they would durable enough to run on the street. The main reason the racers use them is because they "absorb" some of the "shock" of a NO2 system.
As you mentioned, a good set of billet 4340 rods is what you want. The high end companies like Crower, Oliver, etc offer steel rods that are as light a 500grams, yet offer superb strength and reliability. I have a set of Crower billet 4340 rods in my SBC427 that have a rotational weight of 519 grams, yet are rated for 8500+rpms.
As you mentioned, a good set of billet 4340 rods is what you want. The high end companies like Crower, Oliver, etc offer steel rods that are as light a 500grams, yet offer superb strength and reliability. I have a set of Crower billet 4340 rods in my SBC427 that have a rotational weight of 519 grams, yet are rated for 8500+rpms.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Re: Aluminum rods??? (Monty)
That's one area I went heavy on. H beam bushed 6 inch and they came in at 680 grams. The I beam @ same hp rating were 575 to 605 with 230k psi bolts. I have just never seen the big ones break :smash: and I have a small collection of sheared off Oliver lightweights. The metal turns blue/black at the point where rods snap in half.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 2
From: Austin, TX
Re: Aluminum rods??? (MarkBychowski)
Thanks for the information guys!
Those Titanium rods are tempting -- if I happen to win the lottery or get adopted by Donald Trump or something :D
Those Titanium rods are tempting -- if I happen to win the lottery or get adopted by Donald Trump or something :D
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,329
Likes: 10
From: Cape Coral fl
Re: Aluminum rods??? (MarkBychowski)
I have the good fortune of getting a set of 6inch titanium Crower rods from one of my friends for $1500.00. They are used , but have been inspected and reconditioned by Crower. :D
Tony
Tony
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