I have a LQ9 here that the guy I got it from claims was out of a 2005 Escalade.
I'm curious if there's any way to visually id whether this does in fact have powdered rods when I pop the oil pan off -whether physical traits or even a part number.
Thanks in advance!

 

Are the powdered metal rods the ones that the General used the fracture method on?
Google that and you will find some info to start you in a direction.

 

All the rods are powdered metal in the LS engines with the exception of the Ti rods in the LS7.

A Gen3 rod Vs. a Gen4 rod is easy to see the difference.

The Gen3 Rod will be flat on the forward edge facing the front of the motor while the back side will be radiused on the right and left side's of the rear facing beam.

Gen4 will be generally flat so to speak.

Sorry I dont have any pics but these came up in google. Might help you.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/forced-in...l#post18227154

https://ls1tech.com/forums/parts-cla...l#post16505414