CBIII

iTrader: (6)

Ive searched and not really found anything conclusive.

At what point should the rods be upgraded? Where are people starting to see problems with these? I plan on making around 500 with forged pistons and a bit higher compression and Im trying to see if its necessary to get new rods or if im find with the stock ones.

Also, I have ARP rod bolts already.

There is a good possibility of being sprayed in the future also.

Beaflag VonRathburg

iTrader: (176)

The rod bolts are typically the weak point in the equation. Our stock rods are extremely strong compared to those in GEN I engines. 500rwhp should be fine with stock rods and good rod bolts in them. The thing is do you ever plan on spraying it? Another thing to consider is if you ever plan on selling this engine the resale value will be much higher with forged rods. You can get some SCAT I beams for about $275. The H beams are around $500.

CBIII

iTrader: (6)

i forgot to add that part.. hah. Im new to the entire game right now. Since my rings are fried Ive gotta replace them. Since the pistons are a weak point, (Im told ~500) then i figured id get forged and up the compression (lq4 pistons with ls1 heads ~10:1)..

mike s.

iTrader: (2)

I agree, 500 hp on the stock rods with ARP rod bolts. If you plan on subjecting it to more than that upgrade to forged pieces.

CBIII

iTrader: (6)

well, would I beams be alright or should I just go ahead and do H? this was an unexpected issue and I dont have a DD, so its on a budget, but I dont want to completely cheap out.

Beaflag VonRathburg

iTrader: (176)

I beams are good choices. It all depends on what you plan on doing with the engine. If you don't ever potentially seeing yourself wanting more power and throwing nitrous on it use the stock rods. Scat I beams are good for about 750 flywheel HP + their buffer zone. H beams are good for pretty much anything after that you'd be able to pull off with a 347.

CBIII

iTrader: (6)

im going with my 6.0 already. at 500hp, id be magking ~575 fwhp, so I suppose after a healthy shot, i should consider H beams. $$

SOMbitch

iTrader: (8)

I just read a thread on here in the last couple days comparing the I and H beams. Tony Mamo posted he thought that the materials and and manufacturing QC was a more important factor than whether it was H or I IIRC (please chime in Tony because I don't want to speak for you). I know after reading that post I decided I would look real hard at I beams when I have to rebuild because they are cheaper and lighter.

I can't find it but if anyone else here can please post the link

CBIII

iTrader: (6)

Thanks alot. Im heavily considering a 408 setup at this point unless I can stumble across a lightly used lq9.

mike s.

iTrader: (2)

Does anyone know if you can mix connecting rods from an LS1 to an LM7 5.3? Are they the same?

Beaflag VonRathburg

iTrader: (176)

5.3 rods are 6.275.

mike s.

iTrader: (2)

Is that rod to center distance? It says the LS1 is 6.098 for that measurement, so that would not work. I am working on putting my leftover LS1 internals in a bored 5.3 motor that I will run with a carb for a truck I have. I have two snapped rods, I think I may just find some LS1 rods.