964 vs 911 (3.2) rods?

[ChrisBennet]

Are there any differences? Is one better than the other?
thanks,
-Chris

Hi Chris!
I am installing a 1990 3.6 motor in my '81 SC, and have asked around to learn what the rod differences are between this motor and earlier motors. I believe there are several dimensional differences (center-to-center length, width across the big end) and I know that at some point in the 1990's Porsche changed the basic metallurgy for the classic forged steel to forged powdered-metal. The powdered-metal rod would have less strength.

[ChrisBennet]

Originally posted by Doug Bilyeu
Hi Chris!
I am installing a 1990 3.6 motor in my '81 SC, and have asked around to learn what the rod differences are between this motor and earlier motors. I believe there are several dimensional differences (center-to-center length, width across the big end) and I know that at some point in the 1990's Porsche changed the basic metallurgy for the classic forged steel to forged powdered-metal. The powdered-metal rod would have less strength.

Doug,
I was aware of the dimensional differences between the 3.0 and 3.2. The see the 3.2/3.3 rods have been superceded by a 964 part #. I was curious about weight but it hadn't occured to me that the metallurgy might be different as well.
thanks,
Chris