C2_rods for SHP equivalent engine

[Steve D.]

In a post on Monday, Duke suggested upgrading the rods in my 327 rebuild. I have the small journal crank. Any specific rod suggestions? The Crowers are a bit pricey. I was told by a GM parts desk that new GM small journal rods are not available, but Scat has an available application (4340 I Beam, made in California))

Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: C2_rods for SHP equivalent engine

Steve----

You've been told correctly. The GM rods for 2.0" crankpins are discontinued and no longer available.

The Crower Sportsman rods are great, but they'll set you back about $475 for the set. Connecting rods are very important, though, so it might be worth it. However, I think that the Scat rods will do you just fine. Most of the Scat and Eagle products that I'm familiar with are off-shore pieces. However, that doesn't make them bad. If these are made in California, then I would expect that they're machined in California from off-shore forgings. Regardless, though, these should be more than adequate for a street engine. They're very likley better than the best 2.0" journal rods that GM ever made (GM #3864881).

[Brian Monticello]

Re: C2_rods for SHP equivalent engine

I am using the SCAT rods in my 327 SHP rebuild - picked them up from CNC motorsports for $227 shipped

http://www.cnc-motorsports.com/search.asp?Action=search&Definition=1&Keywords=2-ICR5700-2000P+SBC+Scat+

2-ICR5700-2000P SBC Scat 2-ICR5700-2000P (5.700" x 2.000" Press pin)

Brian

[Brian Monticello]

Re: C2_rods for SHP equivalent engine

Please note that the part I referenced in the message above are for PRESS FIT pistons.

Brian

[Joe L.]

Re: C2_rods for SHP equivalent engine

Brian-----

No Chevrolet pistons that I know of are press fit. It's the RODS that are press fit or "floating". With only a very few exceptions, ALL Chevrolet rods are press fit style. The exceptions are 1969 Z-28 302 and 67-69 L-88. The 1969 LT-1 would have used floating pins if any had been built. None were, though.

Usually, pistons designed for use with floating pin rods do have grooves for pin retainers, except for those designed for use with Teflon "button" retainers. Pistons designed for use with pressed pin rods may or may not have grooves for retainers; many aftermarket pistons are designed for use with either configuration rod and thus have the retainer provisions. Retainers are not, however, used with pressed pin rods AND MUST NOT BE USED WITH PRESS PIN RODS even if the pistons have provisions for retainers.