What is everybodys opinion on sticking a set of 05 rods and pistons in a 5.3 that has the weaker ones in it? I would put new rod bearings and rings and just ball hone the cylinder walls. The reason I ask is, I found a used set, look really good in the pics, never had boost on them, the guy is going with forged and H beams. I got to pull mine a part to gap the rings so before I did I figured I'd ask for other opinions.

 

Looks can be deceiving and that's all I have to say about that.

 

There's a chance the balance could be off, so if you could live with that, lol. People do that and get away with it, but I have always had them balanced. Although not how they are balanced, you could weigh the old and new, see how far off they are. If its a may pop engine, throw it together, lol.

 

I've done gen4's in a gen3 5.3 & had good luck. Didn't rebalance, did ball hone the cylinders & reused the bearings. Used it as a learning experience but it never came apart.

 

Balance was what I was worried about but I've heard of it being done. I wish they were local so I could get a better look.

 

From what I've found on the net, it has to be right if it's on the net, there is 28 grams per piston and rod difference. Don't think that would be a good idea without a balance job so I'll wait on that until I switch to the Summit pistons and rods.

 

Just for reference a posted note is about 2 grams.

 

Local builder told me that you can use Gen IV rods and pistons on a Gen III crank, the difference in weight is negligible.
Evidently he's done many of them and never had an issue.
If doing a Summit Piston/Rod kit then it must be balanced.