sbc connecting rods

[John N.]

Re: sbc connecting rods

Watch Crower- I have several sets which were machined off big journal blanks. They are about 50 grams on the heavy side. If someone is interested, let me know. I believe it was Dave Crower that said "They are cheap, what do you expect?"
Regards

[Scott M.]

WP_20130421_004.jpg

[Dick W.]

Re: sbc connecting rods

Yup, they still sell on ebay for decent prices from race teams. Problem is though, all are for 2.1" rod journals so the 67 and earlier guys can't use them. Most are 6.2" CC now too.

For a while, Nascar qualifying engines were using crankshafts with 2.0" rod journals but I haven't seen that for some time.

Never saw a substantial difference in horsepower between original 5.7" and 6.0" rods on a dyno.

Not much difference in power, but moves the power band

[Timothy B.]

Re: sbc connecting rods

How about a nice set of 1967 327 chevrolet rods with the extra metal around the rod bolt hole.

[Jack H.]

Re: sbc connecting rods

How about a nice set of 1967 327 chevrolet rods with the extra metal around the rod bolt hole.

The knock on OEM rods are the weak rod bolts, arguably the weakest link of the SB Chevy, especially the small journal variety. Assuming you start with the better OEM rods with the extra meat as you suggest, if you magnaflux the rods, replace the rods bolts (ARP or equivalent), recondition the rods (resize the big end), etc, etc, you should be good. However, if you have a good machine shop do a top notch job, the gotcha is that you'll likely be at or above what a BETTER set of aftermarket Eagles would cost you. That was the case several years ago, although admittedly I have not shopped them lately.

Being one of those unfortunate enough to have experienced rod bolt failure, I never want to have that happen again and choose to upgrade the entire rod assemblies to aftermarket.

[Tom P.]

Re: sbc connecting rods

How about a nice set of 1967 327 chevrolet rods with the extra metal around the rod bolt hole.

I have always understood that it was 66 AND 67 sj rods that were the beefier version. Can anyone say for sure?

[Scott M.]

Re: sbc connecting rods

Tom, you are correct, they have the extra material on the large end similar to the LJ rods.. There are some old threads about this issue as well.