Quote:
Originally posted by Venom S
Another reason to use aluminum rods in race only applications is reduce rotating mass. High reving engines need to rev higher faster than a street machine. Aluminum rods were never intended for daily use.
Use a high quality H-beam that has been shot peened, and magnafluxed. You can't go wrong with them.
Venom_S
|
This is so right.
I know you want to use the AL rods because you have them already, but the same effect can be had other ways.
I went with Crower rods. Heavy right? Not once I changed to longer rod length and shorter, aluminum pistons. The rotating assembly LOST weight overall. Then if you spend time on your crank, you can lighten that up considerably.
The goal is to lighten up your rotating assembly, but not to the point where you're constantly wondering when it'll let go...today, tomorrow, next lap.
The other consideration is clearances, as has already been brought up, though not just in the block/rod area, but in the head/piston area as well. AL rods will stretch more at higher RPM's than steel rods and you need to make sure the valve-to-piston clearances are sufficient as well.
I'd vote for non-aluminum rods. You know Crower makes titanium rods?