LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Connecting rods

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 2, 2011 | 03:37 PM
  #21  
Camaroking1996's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
Default

Thank you I was going to go with a Scat forged crank also but I've heard the stock crank can with stand a lot so there is no need for it
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 03:53 PM
  #22  
duh's Avatar
duh
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,501
Likes: 2
From: burbs of chi-town
Default

that is also correct. It all depends on goals and funds. If you're just building a DD then more than likely stock rods and crank will be more than enough for you. Consider stepping up to some forged pistons if you're going to add boost or spray, but aside from that the factory did a decent job designing the bottom end as far as longevity is concerned
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 03:56 PM
  #23  
Camaroking1996's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
Default

Yep I'm not gunna spray it but I know the crank can handle a lot but the pistons and rods not as much so I'm gunna upgrade those parts
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 04:34 PM
  #24  
nitrous2fast's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
Default

The stock rod with a good set of upgraded rod bolts should hold 500hp. (with a proper balance job of course...) Only if you were planning on using a TON of spray/boost or a race motor that could take advantage of the extra dwell time of TDC and BDC the 5.7" rods are just fine. Stock crank works very well for what many people will use. Be sure to have the assembly balanced; it is critical for any good running motor to last.
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 04:45 PM
  #25  
Camaroking1996's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
Default

When reassembling the motor what should I do to the crank?
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 04:56 PM
  #26  
nitrous2fast's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
Default

Originally Posted by Camaroking1996
When reassembling the motor what should I do to the crank?
what exactly are you asking?

is this after the assembly is balanced?
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 05:00 PM
  #27  
Camaroking1996's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
Default

When I break down the stock motor what should I do to the crank before I assemble everything again
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 05:13 PM
  #28  
nitrous2fast's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
Default

put it in a plastic bag and send it and your rods and pistons to the balance shop....

if you are not going to balance it mark everything and put it back the way you got it out.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

 Brett Foote
story-1

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

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

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-9

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 2, 2011 | 05:26 PM
  #29  
Camaroking1996's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
Default

What is balancing for?
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 05:30 PM
  #30  
nitrous2fast's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
Default

It is just like a wheel. If it is unbalanced it requires more power to turn it, uses more fuel, and vibrates. If balanced it spins faster, requires less power to move, and keeps unwanted pressure off the bearings.
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 05:39 PM
  #31  
Camaroking1996's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
Default

Oh ok is polishing the stock crank necessary or not?
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 06:42 PM
  #32  
duh's Avatar
duh
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,501
Likes: 2
From: burbs of chi-town
Default

polishing of the journals will most likely be required, or they will be turned down. that is done to give the journal a mirror like finish because they are smoothed out. Chances are more than likely it will need to be turned, which is not costly or bad in any way. It only means you will need bearings. Your best bet is to take the block, crank, rods, and pistons to the machine shop of your choice. Tell them you would like it balanced and the rotating assembly installed with new cam bearings and freeze plugs. You'll want to have the block tanked as well to make sure you have a clean slate. Let them know you plan on spraying it and how much, as it affects ring gap, and piston to wall clearances. If you want to be using it as more of a weekend/strip car you can have them set the bearing tolerances "loose". instead of .002-.0025" of clearance they can set you up with closer to .003" which will have the crank and rods riding on more of a layer of oil. Now it's been debated as to weather or not it makes more power, but I've seen it work. plus it will allow you to run a slightly thicker oil. When you get it back it will be a new shortblock ready for you to slide in your cam, timing set, and heads and intake. There are plenty of options on what you can do. A tighter motor will last a bit longer in theory since eventually it will loosen up but it will be down the road. It also allows you to run thinner oil (ie. 5w20 or 5w30) depending on how tight it is put together. Find a reputable shop and go talk to them about options and what you want to do with it. Or give Corey at Clayton a ring and I'm sure he can set you up with something for about the same as you would spend trying to do all the leg work yourself.
Reply
Old May 2, 2011 | 06:48 PM
  #33  
Camaroking1996's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
Default

Thanks for the info guys
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:45 AM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 14:55:56


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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