Debunking the Aluminum Rod Myth
- Thread starter 69 Cuda 440
- Start date
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Hell yes, I've bought a few freshened 446 short blocks with "used" BME rods. Like I said, I never lost a aluminum rod through failure. The biggest fear of running aluminum used rods is------well fear!
Now I'll say this, I know and trust the guys that I buy from!
~ Mr. Donovan ~
Both 'heat' and 'fatigue' determine the life span of an Aluminum Connecting Rod.
If you do not know the 'history' behind a 'used' set of Aluminum Rods, then
you 'know nothing'.
Do not purchase them.
It is very simple, Aluminum-Rods get 'weaker and weaker'.
As for 'Street-Use'. Again depending on the application, they are a good addition
for the right Engine combination. I do not see any issue at all.
One issue that is always a concern at the Drag Strip is the 'drag issue'.
There is a lot of 'shock stress' on the Aluminum-Rod when shutting down
after going thru the traps. As you get off the throttle, the RPM's can drop 'too fast', and in theory, that compresses the 'Rods'.
It is the 'drag' at the end of the run that puts 'compressed stress pressure'
on the Connecting-Rod.
Both 'heat' and 'fatigue' determine the life span of an Aluminum Connecting Rod.
If you do not know the 'history' behind a 'used' set of Aluminum Rods, then
you 'know nothing'.
Do not purchase them.
It is very simple, Aluminum-Rods get 'weaker and weaker'.
As for 'Street-Use'. Again depending on the application, they are a good addition
for the right Engine combination. I do not see any issue at all.
One issue that is always a concern at the Drag Strip is the 'drag issue'.
There is a lot of 'shock stress' on the Aluminum-Rod when shutting down
after going thru the traps. As you get off the throttle, the RPM's can drop 'too fast', and in theory, that compresses the 'Rods'.
It is the 'drag' at the end of the run that puts 'compressed stress pressure'
on the Connecting-Rod.
71Scamper
Mopar runs thru my veins!
You guys are killing me here with all the Banana references. My GF is looking at me like I have ten heads cause i'm rolling on the floor laughing so hard. I love this forum!
71Scamper
Mopar runs thru my veins!
I'm getting a dash plaque made up with this guy on it lol! Too friggen funny!
~ Mr. Donovan ~
Top Fuel
Typically, you will get {8 to 10} runs from a set of Aluminum-Rods in a Supercharged Top-Fuel engine.
Blown Alcohol
Generally, good for {20} runs.
Pro Stock
On average, most of the Pro Stockers are getting at least {20} runs, and with some up to a maximum of {40} with Aluminum-Rods.
Bracket-Engines 'Balls Out'
We see a minimum of {100} runs, and up to {200} runs with a strongly-built
Bracket-Engine.
If you average {5 runs} on a typical Weekend, that comes to a minimum of {20} Track visits, and up to a maximum of {40} Track visits.
Of course it depends entirely on the 'quality' of the Aluminum-Rods, but most
Bracket-Racers easily get a 'full' year out of a set.
If the Engine is 'not' seeing continuous high-load RPM's, I have seen many
sets of Aluminum-Rods last 3-Years in a well-prepared Bracket-Engine.
That comes to close to {350} runs.
That is as far as I would 'push it'.
But damn, I have several guys that have gone over {600} runs on
their Aluminum-Rods, and with no plans to 'swap-them-out'.
Bracket Engines 'Moderate'
No problem here, as {600 to 800} runs is the 'norm'. It is not uncommon
for some of customers to get {1000 passes} from a set of 'quality' Aluminum-Rods.
Street Engines 'Built'
Typically, we tell our customers that they are looking at 15,000 to
20,000 miles on the Engine, before 'tear-down' and inspection.
Street Engines 'Mildly Built'
With 'regular driver' Engines, with an occasional blast. They will
last as long as a Steel Connecting-Rod. But, I generally recommend a
'tear down' inspection at 25,000 to 30,000 Miles.
But many of these 'Aluminum-Rod' Street Engines with High-Horsepower
are still cranking fine after 4-Years and 50,000 Miles.
Top Fuel
Typically, you will get {8 to 10} runs from a set of Aluminum-Rods in a Supercharged Top-Fuel engine.
Blown Alcohol
Generally, good for {20} runs.
Pro Stock
On average, most of the Pro Stockers are getting at least {20} runs, and with some up to a maximum of {40} with Aluminum-Rods.
Bracket-Engines 'Balls Out'
We see a minimum of {100} runs, and up to {200} runs with a strongly-built
Bracket-Engine.
If you average {5 runs} on a typical Weekend, that comes to a minimum of {20} Track visits, and up to a maximum of {40} Track visits.
Of course it depends entirely on the 'quality' of the Aluminum-Rods, but most
Bracket-Racers easily get a 'full' year out of a set.
If the Engine is 'not' seeing continuous high-load RPM's, I have seen many
sets of Aluminum-Rods last 3-Years in a well-prepared Bracket-Engine.
That comes to close to {350} runs.
That is as far as I would 'push it'.
But damn, I have several guys that have gone over {600} runs on
their Aluminum-Rods, and with no plans to 'swap-them-out'.
Bracket Engines 'Moderate'
No problem here, as {600 to 800} runs is the 'norm'. It is not uncommon
for some of customers to get {1000 passes} from a set of 'quality' Aluminum-Rods.
Street Engines 'Built'
Typically, we tell our customers that they are looking at 15,000 to
20,000 miles on the Engine, before 'tear-down' and inspection.
Street Engines 'Mildly Built'
With 'regular driver' Engines, with an occasional blast. They will
last as long as a Steel Connecting-Rod. But, I generally recommend a
'tear down' inspection at 25,000 to 30,000 Miles.
But many of these 'Aluminum-Rod' Street Engines with High-Horsepower
are still cranking fine after 4-Years and 50,000 Miles.
j par
Well-Known Member
if I'm not mistaken I believe it was somebody's avatar that I copied a long time ago and obviously this was not a personal shot at you at all. I just thought it was funny when it came to my head when you made that comment sometimes I can't help myself
I have my moments
71Scamper
Mopar runs thru my veins!
if I'm not mistaken I believe it was somebody's avatar that I copied a long time ago and obviously this was not a personal shot at you at all. I just thought it was funny when it came to my head when you made that comment sometimes I can't help myself
I have my moments
no offense taken at all. I'm all about jokes even if it is on me. I always say "If you take the heat, stay out the kitchen."
Speaking of Banana's
I have never seen an Aluminum Connecting-Rod bent like a Banana.
But, I have seen Steel Connecting-Rods do the 'Banana'.
"Bow to the Banana"
http://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2013/07/12/16/57/banana-151553__180.png
I have never seen an Aluminum Connecting-Rod bent like a Banana.
But, I have seen Steel Connecting-Rods do the 'Banana'.
"Bow to the Banana"
http://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2013/07/12/16/57/banana-151553__180.png
Johnny Ringo,
'Die-Forged' Aluminum-Rods are better than ones that are cut from a plate.
Mr. Donovan says,
Stay away from the late-1960's and early-1970 Aluminum-Rods for any
Racing application or 'hard' Street driving.
They may be fine for 'regular' Street Performance, but do not go near
8000 RPM's or,
They'll Go Boom !!!!!
'Die-Forged' Aluminum-Rods are better than ones that are cut from a plate.
Mr. Donovan says,
Stay away from the late-1960's and early-1970 Aluminum-Rods for any
Racing application or 'hard' Street driving.
They may be fine for 'regular' Street Performance, but do not go near
8000 RPM's or,
They'll Go Boom !!!!!
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