TJ

iTrader: (10)

im doing this with the motor on the stand. motor is a 04 6.0L and has 10K on the clock. i hear the 02+ have updated rod bolts. is it worth it? i hate to spin a bearing after changing the bolts. i have bad luck. ive done some searching and see a lot of people doing it. have a good friend that works at GM and he has done it a handful of times, with zero failures.

santino04

They are updated bolts. But if your planning on some real hard hitting mods in the future, or some juice, or possibly boost, then I would definitely swap over to some ARP bolts. If not just stay with your stockers. Good Luck

TJ

iTrader: (10)

i will be spraying a bit of nitrous on the motor. not much. 100-150. ill have race gas, but dont wanna grenade the stock pistons.
no boost anytime soon.
with my cam, ill be turning it near 7K...

santino04

Most definitely go with some aftermarket bolts!! Good Luck

Cal

iTrader: (1)

Katech bolts are better than ARP, won't require resizing the rods.

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

Katech gave a very interesting and informative presentation at PRI. I would definitely use their rod bolts.

Andrew

Mike94ZLT1

iTrader: (3)

Is anyone positive on the not having to resize rods? I would go with Katechs based simply on that!

Adrenaline_Z

I wouldn't touch a rod that isn't resized after new bolts.

Any slight distortion on the large side could chew a bearing in no time at all.

Cal

iTrader: (1)

Katech developed the rod bolts in conjuction with GM for ASA race cars. They are actually designed to go in without the need to resized the rods. This has already been done many times with their bolts, so there should be no problems.

Fade2blk500

iTrader: (18)

I've done a handful of arp rod bolts. No problems yet... *knock on wood* All the cars still run very well

Steve Burger

iTrader: (33)

I have Katch bolts and no problems. I did not resize the rods based on conversations with Katech.

1999T/A

iTrader: (4)

I got ARP Pro Rod bolts in my car , had a professional builder install them when he put the motor together . He DID NOT have to resize the rods .

DocEwww

iTrader: (1)

Who carries the Katech bolts? I was going to be ordering my ARPs this friday until I saw this thread.

Cal

iTrader: (1)

check here for a list of dealers:
http://www.katechengines.com/street_...ere_to_buy.php

Thunder Racing is a Katech dealer, but they didn't have them in stock when I called. Mine are on order from Guldstrand Motorsports. You can get them direct from Katech, but they are out of stock right now.

TJ

iTrader: (10)

i agree with you here under some conditions. the ls1 rod is a totally different ball game than any other chevy rod.

you cant really resize an ls1 rod from what ive read. you have to hone them out and use a special larger OD bearing to fill up the gaps.

while you SHOULD check clearances and such and machine when necessary, i havent seen a single engine failure after installing rod bolts in a running engine.
will it cause more wear on the rod bearings? you bet.
how much? who knows.
there is a local machinist in my area that used to build motors for NASCAR, and now enjoys building engines to fill his time. he said the most he has seen when installing an ARP rod bolt was distorting the the clearance by .005.
thought id share, as ive been asking anyone and everyone these questions.
id go with the katech based on what ive learned.

Steve Burger

iTrader: (33)

http://www.katechengines.com/street_...etail.php?id=5

This is where I got mine.

cyphur

iTrader: (10)

link no worky.

TJ

iTrader: (10)

their site has been down for a while. been trying to pull it up for weeks.

Cal

iTrader: (1)

Use the link I gave in my post and it will come right up.

cyphur

iTrader: (10)

that it does.