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

aluminum conn. rods

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 17, 2003 | 10:30 PM
  #1  
ktm2002's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: houston,texas
Default aluminum conn. rods

thinking about building a 409 iron block buildup.can aluminum rods be used to lightened up the rotating assembly. <img border="0" alt="[driving]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_driving3.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[burn out]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_burnout.gif" />
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2003 | 10:36 PM
  #2  
jleews6's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 1
From: roanoke virginia
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

They wont last long on the street. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2003 | 10:46 PM
  #3  
ktm2002's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: houston,texas
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

why won't they last in a street motor. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2003 | 11:21 PM
  #4  
DONAIMIAN's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 0
From: NW Houston, TX
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

Aluminum is softer than the forged steel rods and since the meatal is softer the deteriorate quicker. Using then on a daily basis would put too much wear on the rods and maybe even the bearings and journals after a while. Stick with the tried and true forged steel. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2003 | 05:46 AM
  #5  
LS1derfull's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 2
From: new england
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

I disagree, aluminum rods tensile
strength is temporarily weakened as running temp goes up, but for light duty street driving they are plenty strong. As for race duty aluminum rods have a life cycle of around 200 passes at hi rpm. Light pistons can extend this life cycle. Street driving does not tax these rods so you could realisticly get like 3 years or so out of a set, depending on how many full throttle blasts you put on motor in that time. Most people here dont turn past 7000 rpm so these rods have a fairly easy life in LS1 application. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2003 | 06:02 AM
  #6  
dug's Avatar
dug
Banned
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,721
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

The real question is whether or not they will fit in a stroker application.
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2003 | 11:20 AM
  #7  
SStrokerAce's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,344
Likes: 2
From: NY
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

They are physically going to be bigger.

They really don't save any weight either. The size of the rods is increased so much for the strength that they end up weighting the same as really good billet steel rods.

The ral use for a Al rod is to dampen the loads from high rpm and high load engines such as N2O, Nitro, or blown engines.

Ditto the 200 runs. There really is not point on a street car though.

Bret
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2003 | 09:22 PM
  #8  
smokin' joe 00 ss's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 0
From: MI
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

ReherMorrison make 450 passes with there alluimun rods on their pro stock motors before they replace them just because know one is really sure just how long they will last but as of yet they have found no problems with them on 1300 HP. One thing about these rods is that they will grow not stretch as they get hot so this has to be taken into acount when machining the block.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

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

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-4

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-8

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0

 Brett Foote
Old Jan 18, 2003 | 09:47 PM
  #9  
1CAMWNDR's Avatar
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (21)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,247
Likes: 2
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

I agree. The Al rods are just not worth it on a street motor. What about Titanium? Doesn't that Honds S2000 have titanium connecting rods? What would the $$$ difference be between Ti and forged steel?
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2003 | 12:31 AM
  #10  
DONAIMIAN's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 0
From: NW Houston, TX
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

And I didnt even know that they made Al rods for the LS1's <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2003 | 01:27 AM
  #11  
SStrokerAce's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,344
Likes: 2
From: NY
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by 1CAMWNDR:
<strong> I agree. The Al rods are just not worth it on a street motor. What about Titanium? Doesn't that Honds S2000 have titanium connecting rods? What would the $$$ difference be between Ti and forged steel? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The S2000 uses steel rods.

Really good steel rods are VAR300M and cost about $400 a rod vs. Ti ones that are at least that to more depending upon the craftsmanship.

Bret
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2003 | 07:13 AM
  #12  
Racehead's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 1
From: LaConner WA
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

I believe that the Honda NSX is the car that has titanium rods from the factory. I think that they are about $2500-$3500 per set <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2003 | 10:40 AM
  #13  
HITMANSS's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
From: Gambrills, MD
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

Aluminum rods are also VERY noisy at start-up, at least until they warm up.
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2003 | 07:02 PM
  #14  
LS1derfull's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 2
From: new england
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

I have to disagree with StrokerAce about aluminum rods not being much lighter because they are. My 6" Manleys weigh 470 grams with 7/16's rod bolts. Steel aftermarket rods will weigh 600+ grams easy. This is a big difference, and you can feel the difference in acceleration which is what racing is all about. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2003 | 09:15 PM
  #15  
1CAMWNDR's Avatar
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (21)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,247
Likes: 2
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Racehead:
<strong> I believe that the Honda NSX is the car that has titanium rods from the factory. I think that they are about $2500-$3500 per set <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">OUCH! Don't see that being an option. <img border="0" alt="[barf]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_barf.gif" />
When I get to rebuild the motor it will be good old fasioned Forged Steel. What about Billet Steel?
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2003 | 06:08 AM
  #16  
smokin' joe 00 ss's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 0
From: MI
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by LS1derfull:
<strong> I have to disagree with StrokerAce about aluminum rods not being much lighter because they are. My 6" Manleys weigh 470 grams with 7/16's rod bolts. Steel aftermarket rods will weigh 600+ grams easy. This is a big difference, and you can feel the difference in acceleration which is what racing is all about. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Ditto, they just look heavier because they have more mass to them for strength.
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2003 | 08:53 AM
  #17  
ls1290's Avatar
Dumb Ass Vette Moderator
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,281
Likes: 2
From: Colorado
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Racehead:
<strong>I think that they are about $2500-$3500 per set <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">OMG, that is about $625 to $875 per rod <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2003 | 11:26 AM
  #18  
SStrokerAce's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,344
Likes: 2
From: NY
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

Well there are Steel Rods that weigh that little, but they cost so dam much, they are Winston Cup rods. They have a spec weight of 475g I think in the rule book.

Bret
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2003 | 12:21 AM
  #19  
2001CamaroGuy's Avatar
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,766
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ USA
Default Re: aluminum conn. rods

I think that they are about $2500-$3500 per set <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />


I guess that means no more bitching about the cost of LS1 parts right <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:42 PM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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
story-5
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-6
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE
story-9
Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0

The world was a better place when it was still around.

By Brett Foote | 2026-01-23 09:20:37


VIEW MORE