sc rod bolts

[blue82coupe]

I'm in the slow process of re-building my 82 sc engine.In either short stroke 3.2, or if budget allows, hi-comp 3.3 twin plug. Question is.. should I shell out the cash for Raceware rod bolts, or stickwith new stretch to yield bolts. It's not a race engine, but it will used in DE,s and leaned on pretty hard.Thanks in advance. Dan

[spydr32000]

Dan no choices here if you intend driving in a spirited fashion at a minimum then don't even consider the cost! It is CHEAP insurance
Regards Mike

[Determined]

Go with the ARP Raceware products! I did on my 3.2 for added insurance, you can buy them from Wayne on this homepage.

Good luck!
Alex

[blue82coupe]

Thanks Fellas!! The reason I'm conflicted about the rod bolt issue... it seems that the 84-89 carrera and 78-89 Turbo rod bolts were undersized ,not so much with 3.0 sc engines. Determined, who did your head machining and porting? Let's see photos of your project.Dan

[ChrisBennet]

I wouldn't build a 3.2 or 964 motor with the stock rod bolts but I feel comfortable with them in a stock SC at stock RPM range. I don't get out that much but I've never heard of a rod bolt failure in a stock SC.
I just buttoned up the bottom end of an SC (3.2 conversion) with stock rod bolts a few minutes ago.
-Chris

[blue82coupe]

Chris.If I go the hi-comp 3.3 twin plug route,with complimentary headwork and cams(again not sure of cams at this point)do you feel that the stock sc bolts are up to the task.Don't mind spending the cash for the raceware bolts... but if they aren't needed, and the sc bolts are good enuff....Dan

[ChrisBennet]

Originally posted by blue82coupe
Chris.If I go the hi-comp 3.3 twin plug route,with complimentary headwork and cams(again not sure of cams at this point)do you feel that the stock sc bolts are up to the task.Don't mind spending the cash for the raceware bolts... but if they aren't needed, and the sc bolts are good enuff....Dan

AFIK, stress on the rod bolts is a function of RPM and piston&rod weight. If you're keeping the CIS injection is there much point in winding the motor much past the stock RPM limit? Like I said, I don't get out much and I'm far from being an expert in these matters. If I knew of some SC rod bolts failing I would change my mind. Hopefully someone who's seen failed SC rod bolts will weigh in.
-Chris

[blue82coupe]

I knew I left some info out.. the CIS is history. I'm either going to run the soon to be released Pat Williams CIS to efi conversion, or itb efi. Just one more thing to be determined. Dan

[Wayne 962]

Stock rod bolts are fine on 3.0 engines, unless you are racing them...

-Wayne

[blue82coupe]

Gentlemen... thanks for the replies. Dan