Rods? Brands?
#1
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I am getting ready to put a new block in my car. I have blown the other one up and am using the FM hydra kit at about 230 to the wheels on a mustang dyno at about 10psi. I have been looking at in-expensive rods for the motor since I am on a budget. I have looked at the following rods for the motor. Eagle, 949 racing, and M-tuned would like everyones opinion. I believe I am going to stay with stock piston as I was told these are very strong and I don't want the cost to get out of hand and I need my car back soon. Any information would be great.
#7
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Join Date: Nov 2006
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You should rethink the pistons. Once you do the math on a new set of OEM pistons and rings, forged pistons are only another $150 or so. I was going to do OEM pistons as well to reduce costs, and once I worked through the actual costs it didn't make sense.
#10
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Remember: Our Rods come with ARP 2000 bolts. Many don't come with the double the cost ARP 2000 variety.
Pistons : Good idea, but stock are good for 300hp if tuned correct. I've beaten a 300hp stock piston Miata around Shannonville Racetrack (Lapping Day) for an entire day without issues and then driven the car with the same motor for another 20,000kms before pulling it out to put in a very expensive built engine.
* This motor used the same OE rings/pistons, just the rods were changed. (Compression on the motor was good)
I'm building and engine for my personal car this winter, and will probably stick with stock pistons. They are plenty strong if the car is tuned correct.
Pistons : Good idea, but stock are good for 300hp if tuned correct. I've beaten a 300hp stock piston Miata around Shannonville Racetrack (Lapping Day) for an entire day without issues and then driven the car with the same motor for another 20,000kms before pulling it out to put in a very expensive built engine.
* This motor used the same OE rings/pistons, just the rods were changed. (Compression on the motor was good)
I'm building and engine for my personal car this winter, and will probably stick with stock pistons. They are plenty strong if the car is tuned correct.
#13
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Second, you absoFUCKINGlutely need to check small end clearance on anything you buy. You are going to plastigauge your big ends, you are going to check your small ends. There was a thread on here of damage done with tight pins. I had a belfab/supertech combo on which the pin was tight, same pin with my Carrillos was money. YMMV. My local NAPA charges $60 for 4 pin fitments.
#18
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Second, you absoFUCKINGlutely need to check small end clearance on anything you buy. You are going to plastigauge your big ends, you are going to check your small ends. There was a thread on here of damage done with tight pins. I had a belfab/supertech combo on which the pin was tight, same pin with my Carrillos was money. YMMV. My local NAPA charges $60 for 4 pin fitments.
#20
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We buy them from a reputable dealer who has been in business for almost as long as us. I don't know that I would buy them off e-bay, but I would not hesitate to buy them from my dealer.
Stephanie