Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirrotica
From the book; How to build Max-performance Pontiac V8s, authored by Rocky Rotella:
Link to connecting rod article: https://www.pontiacdiy.com/connectin...c-v-8-engines/
Likely all you need to know about Pontiac passenger car connecting rods, (cast, and low heat treat forged) and whether it's practical to use them in a build under 600HP. The author says that it is possible, but taking a large chance to use either in a high performance build taking into consideration that no one has any idea of the history, number of cycles, quality of the original materials, how many times they may have been reconditioned, etc.
The NASCAR 421s were only making about 465 HP back in 62 so they weren't making what a hot street engine is now, they were naturally aspirated. Hot street engines now are subject to NOS, blowers, and turbos and a lot more connecting rod stress. What happened in NASCAR in 1962, and what goes into a 600 HP plus street engine today is apples to oranges. |
Rocky Rotella's opinion and yours pretty much align with my experience. IMO, connecting rod preparation and the fasteners are much more important than the material and heat treat up to 450 or so HP and RPM's exceeding 6200. If the big ends are round and straight, to exact size and quality fasteners are used, the "rubber rods" or factory cast rods have a low failure rate. Getting stock rods reconditioned PROPERLY with good fasteners will cost about $300.00 around here. Eagle rods are $400.00. They are far better material than any factory rod but have mediocre machining and tolerances. (China) Molnar rods are $650.00 and are also a Chinese forging, fully machined and inspected in MI, USA. Carillo I beam rods, best IMO, 100% USA forgings, 100% USA machining. $2461.20 at Summit Racing. Pick your poison. We all have our own budgets and limits and political convictions. It's nice to have choices.