ARP rod bolts ground when balancing

[Lyndon302]

My new rod bolts where ground when they balanced the engine. ??
Lyndon

[reclino]

I hope you didn't plan on using a stretch gauge. If it were me, I would be chosing another machine shop in the future.

[Lyndon302]

I had to read them the riot act. They have now decided to replace them and grind of the appropriate amount that was taken from the bolts.
Lyndon

[reclino]

Well that's a good response.

['78 SC]

What about removing material from the rod cap rib? Is that correct practice?

[Lyndon302]

Not when the bolts are in the way .

['78 SC]

Originally Posted by Lyndon302

Not when the bolts are in the way .

My point was that the rib on the rod cap is there for strength and should not be ground away for balancing. The shop needs to replace the rods, too.

[HaroldMHedge]

I agree with '78 SC.

Originally Posted by Henry Schmidt

Removing material from the rod cap ridge on a 911 rod is never a good idea. The "ridge" is structural and designed to provide rigidity. Some people grind this boss (ridge) to balance the rod but even this small amount compromises the rigidity and may allow excessive cap flex at higher rpm.

Taken from Lighter standard rods - how much is too much?, Post #15.

[HaroldMHedge]

Additional information Rod balancing - where to remove material

Originally Posted by Henry Schmidt

You should remove material from the square edges near the bolts.




I would also remove material from the small end of the rod not the wrist pin.
Removing material from the pin works well for balancing the pistons but if in the future you replace the piston, you will have to remember that the new wrist pin must be balance to the rod. If the next mechanic doesn't know you could drive him crazy.