Reconditioned rod reliability?

I have a quick question for the experts about rod strength. I'm going with reconditioned rods on a ~500HP buildup.

I had 4 rejected after testing, shot peened & polished beam, ARP bolts, and newer JE pistons, which are somewhat lighter than stock ....but.... no cryo prep.

Assuming the assembly is done right, and there's a lack of detonation... should I be worried taking this thing up to 6k RPM at the track every couple of weekends then driving it home?

...I'd like to pick up the Sportsman rods, but really would rather save up for the new Stg 1 Aluminum's. Thoughts?

 

Yup, me too.. to the HIGH side of six!!:eek2: Don't recommend THAT high though. Try not to go over 6200-6500.

5800-6200 should last a long time, make sure there is no twist in them also. Should lay FLAT on a piece of glass on both sides..

The lighter pistons REALLY HELPS!! :TU:

Jeff

 

4 years on stock rods

I'm with everyone else on this one. two years street & strip running 12'0s & 2nd year in race car 10.80's My rods see 6200 Rpm's on a regular basis. Randy

 

After picking Jim Wiese's brain extensively about my engine build-up, which he is doing, the opinion I got was that for 500hp, the rods you describe will be fine. I think the turning point for long term reliability is about 550hp.

The problem is, if you build a 500hp iron head motor, then put alum heads on it, you just may bump the power enough to get into trouble. The best thing to do is to have BOTH the TA rods and heads:grin:

The stock rods are pretty tough though. Jim told me that he has only ever thrown one, and that was on a tired, hard running race car motor.

I think you are on the fine line. If somebody was building this for you, they might insist on the stronger rods if you expected them to stand behind it. On the other hand, if you are building it, you bear the financial responsibility if it blows. Chances are though, it will be fine.

 

Thanks guys!

I threw a stock rod last season with street/strip use and have now developed a rod knock in my temporary/spare 455. Paranoia is running pretty high now.

Just bad luck I guess.

Unless I hear some serious horror stories different I'll stick to the recond's...

 

I run my stock rods to 6500-6700. ARP bolts, JE pistons with lightweight pins.

Bruce

 

me too same set up as Bruce.

Thanks

 

I've been runing my Recondtioned rods with TRW (heavy slugs) to 6000 for 5 years now...... The motor has seen 6000 lots of times. They have held together well so far.

However, when I build a new motor, I will go to aftermarket TA budget rods that are supposed to support up to 800 horse. For the price of them they are worth it IMO.......

 

Rich,

You might want to get the billet rods, if you're going where I think your going with your (next) engine!!:Brow: :grin: :TU:

 

:beer

Yeah.... I willl actually go with some BBC rods I think :Brow: All I was meaning to say if for the money, I tihink I would go that route over reconditioned rods......

 

so did you get your engine back yet?? last knew, you were still waiting.

 

Dan,

Still waiting, I finally got fed up with it last month and put in one of my spares - a stock 73 455. Ran nice, killed an S2000 that was too slow off the line. It's now developed a rod knock, and last time I started it quick the thing lost all oil pressure.

New engine in a few months... I just got the clearance sheet back, 0.0024 on #1 & #5, 0.0021 on 2,3,4. All rods set to 0.002. Wall clearance at 0.0045, cam at 0.0025

A little on the high side from what I've read here. Hope it doesn't come back to bite...

 

Clint, those clearances look fine.
Make sure you have a good cover and the pump is set up correctly.

Bruce