flynbludream

iTrader: (1)

I'm going to be building a 5.3 for lots of boost eventually. Targeting 1k hp possibly with a solid roller. I like the idea of a high reving motor and FI. Lowering the rotating mass would help this out. In reading up on Aluminum rods they seem to have some advantages and a lot of weight savings.

So, is anyone using these for FI? If so what are your opinions on them. How much power are you putting out?

My setup will be turbo so less rotating mass should provide a quicker spool time for a turbo app.

123quattro

Aluminum rods are not street friendly, unless you drive a couple hundred miles/year.

You can easily spin an engine over 8000 rpm with steel rods. The valvetrain is the limiting factor.

slow67

iTrader: (2)

That's an old wive's tale. Will it last 100,000 miles? No, but it will last longer that a couple hundred miles before needing a rebuild. I know of a v-drive with a 540 BBC, making over 1900hp/tq, and runs aluminum rods. He uses it for recreation (pulling tubes/skiers/etc), and boats cruise at a higher rpm/load than most cars do.

05HD

You will not need aluminum rods to make a 1k hp 5.3. Put a decent steel rod in it and call it a day.

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

So who makes an aluminum rod that's 6.125"?

Gordon0652

iTrader: (4)

I'm sure GRP will make you one...

S4885.3

heat cycles are what is hard on the rod bolts. but now days they make l19 h11 tool steel and stronger. what happens is aluminum expands and contracts a lot. And its hard on the bolts. Its good practice to pull the motor and measure the bolts. but like stated before a good forged steel rod will be fine

NemeSS

iTrader: (127)

A good ole hbeam is more than adequate. And last for 1000s of miles, just like any other o steel rod

cracker

iTrader: (1)

Oliver Billet I-Beams and call it a day. 1500+ rwhp not a problem.

I would personally stay away from Aluminum until you have the time and means to check them every 2k miles...If not sooner.

JWStevens

iTrader: (1)

Def a wives tale! The car in my pics has GRP's and is driven a lot. Our promod gets new rods every 25-50 passes and we never have stretched rods or bolt issues and we make pretty good power. When my DD finally kicks out its gonna get them. A good H-beam will def be cheaper and will work! We put oliver billet rods in a 421 but I think they were real heavy for some reason.

S4885.3

just make sure you get l19 or better rod bolts.