63 freeze outs

[Robert B.]

looking for somewhere to get the original type freeze out plugs, I have an original set of connecting rods that check out good,should I use them on my 63 FI rebuild ??

[Lyndon S.]

Re: 63 freeze outs

You should be able to get a set at your local parts house in steel or in a brass.

[Joe R.]

Re: 63 freeze outs

Robert,

I'm not really a small block guy, but I have read numerous posts by Duke Williams and others about the rods. The first design 327 rods (which are what you have) are prone to breakage and shouldn't be used. Aftermarket rods (Eagle for one, I think) don't cost much more than reconditioning your rods and are essentially bullet proof. I would recommend searching the archives or shooting Duke an email about this.

Joe

[Monte M.]

Re: 63 freeze outs

The early rods like you have have been known to not hold up. The actual rod portion of it is alright, but where they fasten together are know to fatigue.

This fatigue can eventually lead to failure at that point causing catastrophic failure.

The $200 you invest in an after market set of rod will allow you to sleep at night and might just be the best $200 spent in a restoration.

I am sure there are a few other guys that can break it down better for you, but this is the basics of it.

Monte

[Paul J.]

Re: 63 freeze outs

Eagle SIR I-beam rods.

[Mike E.]

Re: 63 freeze outs

I believe that freeze plugs have no manufacturer's logo or size stamping on them from the factory (at least that's how they did it in 62). You'll have to get those from someone like Corvette Central--local parts stores will have logos on them.

[Dick W.]

Re: 63 freeze outs

I have seen brass plus without logos, once they are painted no one can tell the difference

[Lyndon S.]

Re: 63 freeze outs

Even most of the cheap 50 cent ones will not have a makers mark at most of the Oreillys .