Hey guys,

I have searched for the answer to this question for a while, but could not find my answer.

I recently bought a 97 Trans-Am with an LM7 swap. As it is, the car has a fairly large cam (Torquer V2 - 112 LSA) , ported LS6 heads, BBK SSI intake manifold etc...

Basically, it has all the parts for high rpm power. However, the rod bolts are stock.

Do you guys happen to know if the rod bolts in a 2001 LM7 motor are the same as the LS1 rod bolts. If so, would they be the upgraded bolts, or the pre 2000 bolts.

Would I be safe to rev this motor to 6600 - 6800 rpm on those rod bolts?

Thanks

 

I've looked everywhere for this info and can't find it.


Anybody know this?

Thanks

 

Food for thought, the smaller bore 5.3l piston is lighter than the 5.7l piston, lighter helps rod bolts survive because the greatest strain on them is when the piston changes direction at the top of the exhaust stroke starting the intake stroke. Less weight to stop and re-accelerate in the opposite direction is just plain less load.

 

The Katech rod bolt upgrade is probably the easiest for the DIY mechanic. But the price puts it near the Scat I-Beam rods, which have the much bigger ARP cap screws ($200 vs sub $300). So, its a harder sell.

I did the ARP Rod Bolts in the same install sequence of Katech. I'm waiting to see if I spin a rod bearing...

But I think you'd be safe spinning to 6600 on the stock rod bolts.

 

That is a very good point!