Do new rods make sense now?

[cay-ahe]

Looks like I'm going to do P+C taking my 3.0 to 3.2. I've read many of the previous threads here to have an idea about this type of engines potential. This engine is in a race/track only car. The plan is to have a strong running engine that will last more than a couple of years. I probably put 50 hours a year on an engine. I'm unsure how important it is to turn this motor to high RPM's and or do new higher strength rods make sense at this point either way? Or, should I just rebuild my exsisting rods? I'm thinking of a 7000 RPM maximum if that does not artificially restrict this engine build up. Any other considerations or thoughts?

So far:

PMO Carbs
10.5:1
twin plug
Cams GE-60/80?
Race Valve springs/retainers
Head studs ARP/993tt
Rod bearings

[Steve@Rennsport]

Keith,

If you observe a hard 7K RPM limit, you can use reconditioned stock rods w/ARP bolts. As you can see, camshaft selection is the main determining factor,......

All of our race engines receive better rods, non-OEM rod bearings, and a host of oiling modifications to the crankshaft, case, and main bearings for reliability at 7K and up.

If you are on a budget (and who isn't), my advice would be to use a less aggressive camshaft to ameliorate the need for higher RPM operation.

[cay-ahe]

Thanks Steve, budget is definitely a consideration but I don't want to build an engine that is a few thousand dollars away from being better if needed.

Like you say cams are important variable. With my stock gear ratios, 3500 - 6500 rpm seems to be my target zone.

So additional oiling is necessary to go higher?

Will I be disappointed I did do this additional work to go beyond 7000 rpm? I know that's subjective. Thoughts?

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by cay-ahe

Thanks Steve, budget is definitely a consideration but I don't want to build an engine that is a few thousand dollars away from being better if needed.

You are a very wise man,...

Like you say cams are important variable. With my stock gear ratios, 3500 - 6500 rpm seems to be my target zone.

So additional oiling is necessary to go higher?

I think a GE-60 or Webcam 120/104 would work very well for you and nossir, no additional oiling mods are needed. I would NOT use factory Glyco rod bearings as there are better options.

Will I be disappointed I did do this additional work to go beyond 7000 rpm? I know that's subjective. Thoughts?

Thats a legitimate question. It all depends on what level of power you need and how much longevity you are willing to trade off to get it. Remember that all things being equal, more power requires higher compression and higher operating RPM's and both compromise engine life. Further, more aggressive cams that require higher RPM, need close-ratio gears to maintain momentum in the car.

[cay-ahe]

Gotcha. I'm probably where I want to be. Thank you for the wisdom.

Regarding rod bearings, do you like the Calico coated bearings?

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by cay-ahe

Gotcha. I'm probably where I want to be. Thank you for the wisdom.

Au contraire, the wisdom was really all yours,...

Regarding rod bearings, do you like the Calico coated bearings?

We use the Jerry Woods ones.

[cay-ahe]

Originally Posted by Steve@Rennsport

Au contraire, the wisdom was really all yours,...


We use the Jerry Woods ones.