View Poll Results: What type of Connecting Rods?
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 272. You may not vote on this poll
Poll: I-Beam or H-Beam?
Launching!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: AheadofU NY
Originally Posted by Red99C5
I would go with the I-beam and the lightest rod possible. The heavier the rod, the more stress is on it. At 6000-7000 rpm a rod can have the dynamic weight
(G-force) of about 8000 -10000 pounds. The lighter you can make the rod, the better.
(G-force) of about 8000 -10000 pounds. The lighter you can make the rod, the better.
For what 99% of the members here do it doesn't make a differance, as long a quality rod/bolt are used and checked dimensionally. I prefer "I" beam rods based on results from some Nascar research. Irregardless of FEA findings, I've seen proof that "I" beam rods being used are stronger.
FormerVendor
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 6
From: Houston, Tx.
Originally Posted by 2000_LS1
So...what we have learned here is....
no matter what the papers, sponsors, techies on the board, you or me say, it is still a matter of opinion. I'd say you're okay with either I or H beams, as long as they are a good quality material, and they fit your plans. Spend your money accordingly. Personally, I'd say H beam, just because I can, lol.
no matter what the papers, sponsors, techies on the board, you or me say, it is still a matter of opinion. I'd say you're okay with either I or H beams, as long as they are a good quality material, and they fit your plans. Spend your money accordingly. Personally, I'd say H beam, just because I can, lol.
The thing with the LS1 world right now is that almost all the rods out there are already H-Beams and several are also very light as well like the Compstars and the new on-center Eagle and SCAT rods. I have seen several I-Beam Lunati Pro-Billets bend on extreme NOS whereas I have never seen any of the H-Beams do that. The good I-Beams though overall are also going to work perfectly fine in basically any application as well.
I-Beams are also much easier to manufacture and machine as well so the domestic H-Beams especially tend to be very pricy since they have to be 100 percent machined as opposed to most I beams being rough forged and only partially finished. Believe me that Lunati for instance makes a killing on the simple Pro-Mod deals but they are heavier than hell as well.
If you have an unlimited budget, the Lentz Billet I-Beams are great with the SPS-CARR bolts and EDM Pin Oiling and Bronze Bushings ~ $3k but are extremely light (6.300" with a 2.1" journal comes in around 585g). The Carrillo H-Beam is just as good (but is a bit heavier). Both are used by NASCAR Cup teams, so that should tell you something.
For the money, the Compstars are light and excellent pieces.
For the money, the Compstars are light and excellent pieces.
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
I stopped reading after I read Zombie's post.
Not that I know a hole lot about engines or cars other than that I love them, but my ex-automotive instructor is a long time drag racer and engine builder and he said he has never ever in his life seen a stock rod break. The rod bolts go first. This was, however, said over a year ago and there may have been a catch. i.e. A naturally aspirated engine. But, if I remember right, he was talking about any sorta' engine.
Nice thread. I have always wondered which was better myself.
Not that I know a hole lot about engines or cars other than that I love them, but my ex-automotive instructor is a long time drag racer and engine builder and he said he has never ever in his life seen a stock rod break. The rod bolts go first. This was, however, said over a year ago and there may have been a catch. i.e. A naturally aspirated engine. But, if I remember right, he was talking about any sorta' engine.
Nice thread. I have always wondered which was better myself.
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I've looked at the photos of the I and H beam rods... and don't notice the difference...? I don't see an "H" or "I" design... I must be blind 
Here's an H-Beam
and here's an I-Beam
I see that the H seems to be solid in the middle, where as the I has the indention in it.... but not sure if that is what differs between the two..
Here's an H-Beam
and here's an I-Beam
I see that the H seems to be solid in the middle, where as the I has the indention in it.... but not sure if that is what differs between the two..
the h and the i refer to the general shape of the rod. imagine a vertical cross section of the rod. the h beam would essentially be in the shape of an H with two plates and a thin center cross section, and the i beam would look more like one center piece with ridges on both ends, kind of like a capital I lol. its all happening in my head but its kinda hard to relay lol
