Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

resizing rods?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 31, 2010 | 01:09 PM
  #1  
08 silverado z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Houston Tx
Default resizing rods?

What exactly is involved in resizing rods? I'm bout to be getting some arp rod, main, and head bolts. They say I gotta have the rods resized. What exactly does that mean? I'm pretty sure it means taking them out and sending to a machine shop right?
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2010 | 07:10 PM
  #2  
DaveX's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 0
From: Lexington, KY
Default

Yes, a machine shop will grind a little off the cap and the mating surface on the rod, and hone them round again. It's best when installing different rod bolts, but some get by without doing it.
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2010 | 07:45 PM
  #3  
08 silverado z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Houston Tx
Default

But if I wanna be safe I might a.s well. It give me some insurance. About how much should that run me for all 8 rods? Wait, if they take material out to make it round again, wouldn't that weaken the rod?
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2010 | 07:48 PM
  #4  
99 Blue Bird's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 2
From: CALI 707
Default

Originally Posted by 08 silverado z28
What exactly is involved in resizing rods? I'm bout to be getting some arp rod, main, and head bolts. They say I gotta have the rods resized. What exactly does that mean? I'm pretty sure it means taking them out and sending to a machine shop right?
ha ha takin my advice huh. and yes u will need to take them out of ur motor to have them resized. also keep in mind if you want to do main studs you will need to aline hone your block as well.
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2010 | 09:18 PM
  #5  
08 silverado z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Houston Tx
Default

Ha ha yeah I am LOL! Can u resize the stock rods in an lq4? And will a forged piston work on a stock rod?
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2010 | 09:22 PM
  #6  
Jon@HKE's Avatar
Closed ex-Sponsor Account
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Default

Might as well get some Scat I-Beam rods. By the time you add up the ARP rod bolts and machining costs for resizing the stock rods you could get the Scat's for a few more dollars.
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2010 | 11:40 PM
  #7  
99 Blue Bird's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 2
From: CALI 707
Default

Originally Posted by 08 silverado z28
Ha ha yeah I am LOL! Can u resize the stock rods in an lq4? And will a forged piston work on a stock rod?
yes you can resize the stock rods. forged rods come ready to bolt in with arp bolts but r in the 600 dollar + range. and yes forged pistons fit on stock rods, there r alot to choose from just more selection with longer aftermarket rods. also its not expensive at all for the machine work on stock rods. i payed 100 dollars 4 my bolts and 40 dollars to have all 8 rods resized. and there are a cheaper set of arp bolts as well.
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2010 | 04:29 PM
  #8  
KCS's Avatar
KCS
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,859
Likes: 323
From: Conroe, TX
Default

Originally Posted by 08 silverado z28
What exactly is involved in resizing rods? I'm bout to be getting some arp rod, main, and head bolts. They say I gotta have the rods resized. What exactly does that mean? I'm pretty sure it means taking them out and sending to a machine shop right?
Yes, the machine shop doesn't have to trim the parting surface though, just hone the rods .002" larger to get them round and concentric. It's actually easier to perform on cracked cap rods, and not nearly enough to weaken the rod either.

There are manufacturers who sell forged pistons for stock rods (Probe, Diamond, Wiseco...), but the selection is limited compared to 6.125" rods with a .927" pin. You can get SCAT 5140 I beams for a little over $200 I think.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

 Brett Foote
story-1

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-9

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 2, 2010 | 05:37 AM
  #9  
bjamick's Avatar
TECH Veteran
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (31)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,218
Likes: 3
From: Birmingham AL.
Default

Yep I was just bout to say that scat's are what like >$500? You may just want to buy better and install them. Although resizing the rod caps are very cheap, I think like 5-10 bucks a cap.
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2010 | 10:10 AM
  #10  
08 silverado z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Houston Tx
Default

And I bet those scat rods would be stronger anyway. OK the stock rotating assembly is rated at 500 HP. So with the scat I beams, forged pistons, arp fasteners, and stock crank what would be a good estimate for power limits? 600? More?
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2010 | 10:30 AM
  #11  
08 silverado z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Houston Tx
Default

So I would like some feedback of my power limits with the new stuff. Forged pistons, scat I beams, arp fasteners all the way around, but to go back with stock crank. Stock was 500. Anybody think that would go up to maybe 600? More?
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2010 | 12:10 PM
  #12  
bww3588's Avatar
12 Second Club
20 Year Member
iTrader: (49)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,139
Likes: 10
From: Chillicothe/Lima, Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by 08 silverado z28
And I bet those scat rods would be stronger anyway. OK the stock rotating assembly is rated at 500 HP. So with the scat I beams, forged pistons, arp fasteners, and stock crank what would be a good estimate for power limits? 600? More?
a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. the stock rods, crank and pistons are only good to 500 RWHP. (ish). in order to raise that 500hp limit, you have to upgrade everything. you can put a set of rods that are rated to 1200hp but your crank is still only good to 500.
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2010 | 02:35 PM
  #13  
08 silverado z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Houston Tx
Default

Yeah but from what I've heard the crank isn't the weak link. The rod bolts are, so upgrading everything to arp. Rod bolts, main and head studs. Better rods and forged pistons, the limit of horsepower should increase.
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2010 | 03:14 PM
  #14  
99 Blue Bird's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 2
From: CALI 707
Default

yes forged rods will increase your hp range because the metal is stronger. there are cars makin 800+ hp on stock cranks. unless your building a race car i really dont think you need a forged crank. scat i beams with the low grade arp bolts r 300 + shipping from speed inc. to upgade to arp 2000 series bolts i believe they were 400+ on scats home page. but like i said unless your really building some serious hp or using your car as a track only car you really dont need em imo but thats just me.
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2010 | 04:42 PM
  #15  
08 silverado z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Houston Tx
Default

Originally Posted by 99 Blue Bird
yes forged rods will increase your hp range because the metal is stronger. there are cars makin 800+ hp on stock cranks. unless your building a race car i really dont think you need a forged crank. scat i beams with the low grade arp bolts r 300 + shipping from speed inc. to upgade to arp 2000 series bolts i believe they were 400+ on scats home page. but like i said unless your really building some serious hp or using your car as a track only car you really dont need em imo but thats just me.
That is exactly the response I've been wanting. Thank u sir
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2010 | 06:20 PM
  #16  
bww3588's Avatar
12 Second Club
20 Year Member
iTrader: (49)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,139
Likes: 10
From: Chillicothe/Lima, Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by 99 Blue Bird
yes forged rods will increase your hp range because the metal is stronger. there are cars makin 800+ hp on stock cranks. unless your building a race car i really dont think you need a forged crank. scat i beams with the low grade arp bolts r 300 + shipping from speed inc. to upgade to arp 2000 series bolts i believe they were 400+ on scats home page. but like i said unless your really building some serious hp or using your car as a track only car you really dont need em imo but thats just me.
you show me an 800+hp car on a stock crank and ill show you a car living on some seriously borrowed time.

the stock crank rods and pistons is only good to 500 hp. yes you can push it past that a little, but it becomes a ticking time bomb. esp if you run it like its ment to be run. just changing rods is not going to move your HP range up at all, because the crank will still only be good to 500 hp. period.

the rod bolts arent neccessiarly weak, they just dont like any RPM's over stock range.
Originally Posted by 08 silverado z28
That is exactly the response I've been wanting. Thank u sir
of course, because this is what you want to hear and beleive, but the simple fact is its false.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2010 | 12:13 AM
  #17  
99 Blue Bird's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 2
From: CALI 707
Default

to the op i suggested talking to some actual motor builders. and some lsx motor builders. cuz your always gonna get people that feel you need 2 spend a fortune to build a strong motor. 4 your goals and hp range you do not need to go all forged. some major sponsors on here have talked me out of going forged cuz for 600-650 hp its a waste of money. one of my uncles with an A gas car that races professionally and has a race team whos head engine builder even told me it was a waste 4 my goals. i have a buddy with a 675 rwhp camaro that runs 10.20s on a completely stock gm bottom end. you need to talk to people that know what they are doing. you dont need forged rods or crank dude. just seach on this site there are lots of people who will back up the fact that a stock crank can handle well over 500hp and that the rod bolts become the weak point. anyways just do what you feel is worth it to u op.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2010 | 09:44 AM
  #18  
08 silverado z28's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Houston Tx
Default

I'm gonna go with blue bird. Y waist all my money on something idont need. When there are plenty of documented 600+ horespower builds on stock cranks. I guess if I just like throwing money out the window LOL! I'm with blue bird!
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2010 | 09:50 AM
  #19  
427's Avatar
427
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,898
Likes: 6
From: Clayton, North Carolina
Default

The stock crack rods cannot be resized in the fashion that a early small block can be done. If you change the bolts it would be best to have your local machine shop check the rods when tq'd to make sure they are still round on the big end. If they are round they should be fine.

Kurt
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:17 PM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-04 18:13:20


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE