Groesbeck

I purchased a new 6.0 iron block engine from a vendor in Texas with the assumption that the parts were manufactured in the USA. After the fact I discovered that the rods were made in China which concerns me. I am now reluctant to get the engine dyno tuned for the fear of an engine failure. Anyone have any thoughts on this issue and if so it will be much appreciated.

Rich-L79

Well, a LOT depends on the brand, the model and any number of other factors. Were they forged in China and machined in the US? Were they forged and machined in China? Were the specs and weights checked during assembly? China CAN produce some perfectly fine products so a lot depends on so many different aspects of what you have in the engine. Does the engine builder stand behind their work and provide a warranty?

Rich-L79

BBC (.030 over 427) with Scat rods forged in China, machined in the US. It routinely goes to 7k RPMs, never an issue. The internals were easily balanced, the rods were all very uniform in measurements and weight. Never a concern in my mind about the rods.

Groesbeck

Thanks for your reply. The rods are TSP Super H-Beam Rods and they were forged and machined in China. The engine is Pro-Charged with cam, headers, meth system, Aster Bracket and we expect it to make 750/800 rwhp using 12 pounds of boost. This engine is replacing a LS3 crate engine that blew up on the dyno. The iron block was built to handle up to 1000 rwhp.

Kfxguy

iTrader: (1)

I have summit rods, I'm pretty sure they are made in china. I'm not concerned with them at 20+psi of boost. I've run scat rods too, I like them better than eagle. The TSP rods are supposed to be some pretty good rods.

Groesbeck

I love the color of this car and the decal. I bought a new 1965 SS 396 Impala with evening orchid and a black vinyl top.

Bspeck82

Generally they forge them in china and finish them here. TSP usually makes quality stuff. All bottom end components are usually chinese made unless you get into the real expensive stuff. I would verify wrist pins and rod bolts are of quality, crank was balanced and is of quality etc.

Groesbeck

I have Wiseco Forged pistons, upgraded hd tool wrist pins, upgraded ARP main studs, aluminum Chevrolet heads and a GM crankshaft. I have an inquiry into the vendor regarding the milling and forging of the rods. Thank you for your response.

Rich-L79

I love this color, wanted to paint a car this color for a long time. Looks great with the black and white interior.

Decal? Did you mean the front fender emblem?

Bspeck82

id run it. wouldnt push it over 1000 though just to be safe.

JRFed

IMHO you will be fine. Pretty much a lot of US companies offer rods are that are made in China. Cheaper option yet they hold power.
The key to a long life will be up to the builder and tuning. You will be happy with them.

G Atsma

What I have seen is that China makes what the vendor pays them to do.
Want and paying for top drawer? DONE! Want bargain basement? Can do!
They know how to make great stuff at low prices, and cheap stuff for way less...

DavidBoren

It's funny how much people concern themselves with what a sticker says...

Because if the sticker says MADE IN THE USA, we suddenly know for a fact where the metal came from, its quality and composition, manufacturing processes, and after-treatments... right?

Unless you are getting the spec sheet a government/military job requires, you are getting a sticker... that's it.

Groesbeck

I traveled to China for business(oil and gas) for years and I can tell you that you are not getting what you are paying for when you buy Chinese produced products. Many US engineering companies will not use Chinese structural steel for their construction projects. I blame myself for not being as attentive as I should have been when I purchased the engine but I assumed that a Texas based company would be using USA parts for a high horsepower engine. If I wanted Chinese products I would have gone to Walmart.

Groesbeck

Thanks for your feedback. Still breaking in the motor and have yet to put it on the dyno for a tune.

Groesbeck

I was referring to the emblem on the front fender.

KCS

iTrader: (20)

The majority of steel rods on the market are chinese steel, even the more reputable ones, and they have no problems at the power level you’re looking for. If they’re Texas Speed connecting rods, I would worry more about how good the machinist/builder is before worrying about the quality of the connecting rods.

G Atsma

Like I was saying above, they have the good stuff IF you spec AND pay for it. China has good steel for those desiring AND paying for it. Not everything they make is junk.
It will still be a comparative bargain against domestically-sourced stuff, though.

tblentrprz

Did you purchase engine with hp expectations set with supplier and comprehensive build sheet to support expectations?

Groesbeck

I did discuss my expectations with the vendor and I had a comprehensive spec sheet before the purchase.