Aluminum Rods Vs. Steel Rods

General Engine Discussion

Moderator: John_Heard

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BigTiny540
Posts: 18
Joined: Tue Dec 27, 2005 11:12 pm
Location: St. Paul, MN

#16 Post by BigTiny540 » Mon Jan 15, 2007 8:49 pm

You made the right decision John. I use Howard billet steel rods in my 540 and I haven't really had an issue on nitrous and we've been spraying 450 hp of nitrous on that motor for 2.5 seasons and she's huffing right along. Does it make me nervous, YES! I had to hold me breath on 2 separate ocassions this year as we knocked pistons out of it twice setting up a 2nd stage. As stated earlier, if you lose a rod in an aluminum rod motor, you'll likely be able to reuse the block. Steel rods.....ah boat anchor!! Aluminum rods give you alittle more peace of mind when you start throwing around really big nitrous hits. With 4.5" of stroke in that motor you're planning John, you'll be happier with the aluminum. :-)
"In God I Trust"

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TubbedTruck67
Posts: 374
Joined: Wed Oct 25, 2006 11:59 am
Location: Joplin, Mo

#17 Post by TubbedTruck67 » Tue Jan 16, 2007 9:51 am

I broke a steel rod on a NA 461 cu BBC earlier this year and it trashed the block, the cam, a few pistons, even waded up a few pushrods. So in my opinion aluminum would definently be better for making your dart block live longer.

1320racer
Posts: 25
Joined: Fri Dec 08, 2006 6:43 pm

#18 Post by 1320racer » Sun Feb 04, 2007 11:58 am

What about titanium rods? I know they are super high dollar, but are they close to the weight of aluminum and would they last longer?

sc racing
Posts: 1773
Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 1:45 pm
Location: Sahuartia Az

#19 Post by sc racing » Sun Feb 04, 2007 12:09 pm

I dont think they take up some of the "shock" like the alum ones.Just a guess.

Racer704
Posts: 166
Joined: Thu May 12, 2005 9:23 pm
Location: Raleigh NC

#20 Post by Racer704 » Sun Feb 04, 2007 12:17 pm

No they would actually cause more brg. damage due to shock.They are lighter then aluminum and yes very expensive. If you were only going to run a small shot then by all means use them if you can afford them.
Johnny B.

1320racer
Posts: 25
Joined: Fri Dec 08, 2006 6:43 pm

#21 Post by 1320racer » Sun Feb 04, 2007 1:08 pm

So they are ok in an n/a engine?

Racer704
Posts: 166
Joined: Thu May 12, 2005 9:23 pm
Location: Raleigh NC

#22 Post by Racer704 » Sun Feb 04, 2007 3:06 pm

Thats where they will give you the best performance. Lighter then aluminum and as atrong as steel.
Johnny B.

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