[PurelyGTO68]

Does anyone have any info to help identify the longer connecting rod in the photos? About 30 years ago I considered building a long rod 400 and was going to use these rods. I think I was told they are factory forged rods but I don't remember the details...(possibly a prototype rod?) The photos have a standard length aftermarket forged rod next to it for comparison sake. As best as I can measure, the old rod is about .450-.460" longer than stock. I wonder what the custom piston would look like in order to make this rod work in a 400 engine?

Do you recognize this rod?

[70pontiaction]

Ram Air V rods are .455" longer than stock 6.625" rods.

But the original Ram Air V 303 7.08" length rods that I have are much thicker towards the big end (like an "A" shape). /\

These are shaped like (and almost look like) SD455 rods with the 7.08" 303 length and a big end shaped more like the heavier RAV rods. Probably a prototype - definitely cool.

Neat rods, whatever they are. I'd love to have them in my collection, if they ever became available (hint, hint).

[Bet Winner]

I have seen a lot of pictures of old rods, and I have never seen that rod before. I wonder if it is really a factory rod, but I hope it is!

There were a lot of aftermarket long rod 400's built years ago so it could be an aftermarket rod.

A thread showing pictures of the different factory rods would be fun. I have some NOS early SD rods in case we do that later.

[tom s]

I dont remember my 366 rods having the oil hole on the small end.Will see If I can find a pic.Tom

[PurelyGTO68]

Originally Posted by 70pontiaction

Ram Air V rods are .455" longer than stock 6.625" rods.

But the original Ram Air V 303 7.08" length rods that I have are much thicker towards the big end (like an "A" shape). /\

These are shaped like (and almost look like) SD455 rods with the 7.08" 303 length and a big end shaped more like the heavier RAV rods. Probably a prototype - definitely cool.

Neat rods, whatever they are. I'd love to have them in my collection, if they ever became available (hint, hint).

Interesting info. Always like to learn more about this sort of stuff. Unfortunately I only have the one rod....I left the other 7 with Purely PMD in Albuquerque since they would have built the engine for me if I ever decided to move ahead with such a project. John thought they were rods meant for a prototype NASCAR engine but I don't remember the details. Whoever bought the extra parts from those guys when they closed up shop might still have the rods.

If you want this rod, then PM me your address. I'm not going to do anything with it so you can certainly have it for your collection. Maybe you will get lucky some day and find the other 7....that would be a pretty cool story.

[70pontiaction]

Very cool rod.....

[brians]

That rod does look familiar. I believe it is a 366 rod.

Have no idea why I remember this, but my father messed around with several RAIV headed 366 engines in the late 70’s early eighties. I remember how weird the rods were. They were long, had straight sides, a hole in the pin area and odd looking bottom with angled bolt bosses.

The little picture is one of the 366 engines but can not find any internal pictures.

[PurelyGTO68]

Originally Posted by brians

That rod does look familiar. I believe it is a 366 rod.

Have no idea why I remember this, but my father messed around with several RAIV headed 366 engines in the late 70’s early eighties. I remember how weird the rods were. They were long, had straight sides, a hole in the pin area and odd looking bottom with angled bolt bosses.

The little picture is one of the 366 engines but can not find any internal pictures.

Cool. So, was that engine used for NASCAR racing?

[brians]

Originally Posted by PurelyGTO68

Cool. So, was that engine used for NASCAR racing?

They were built for drag racing. One of the NHRA Econo Altered classes. There was a cubic inch limit of around 375.

You peaked my curiosity so I just did on search here for 366 engines and found this thread. Look at the rods in post 11.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...&highlight=366

[PurelyGTO68]

Originally Posted by brians

They were built for drag racing. One of the NHRA Econo Altered classes. There was a cubic inch limit of around 375.

You peaked my curiosity so I just did on search here for 366 engines and found this thread. Look at the rods in post 11.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...&highlight=366

Only 7 rods in that photo....

[70pontiaction]

Seven are assembled and in a row.

The eighth is at the far left and the cap is off it.

You can only see the loose cap and part of the big end of the rod, tilted to the left.