Connecting Rods

[RICK LAKE]

Rick Parker Rick need an answer to this question. The rest will answer itself. As far as a girdle for the bottom end, I recommend it even with the small machine work that MAY need to be done, extra support is just that.
What is the budget we are looking at? If cost is not an issue, BME aluminum rods. Saves weight, any size rod bearing you want, same applies for the piston pin size. Gun drill the rod for extra oiling to the pin and forgetaboutit. Price about $1,500.00. Only thing you need to do is warn the motor before hard driving. Titanium is next to the tune of about $4,000.00. Custom price.
Now looking at a couple of other companies, Cat, Scat and Eagle, If you have a good machinist, get the rods and have them redone and shotpeened. I like the "I" rod over the "H" rod. Limit the prms to 6500. The motor should like a long and happy life. ARP the bottom end. A good balance job of the rotating assembly will add life to the motor also. Need the WHOLE thing done completely, this includes the pulley to the flywheel. All parts need to be part a line with marks when done. I ran eagle rods in my FE for 7 years and had no failures. I did use ARP 2000 rod bolts and follow the torque method of assembly. IMO 2 things that are very important to any motor, getting oil to the correct temp for max efficiently and plenty of oil pressure with 60-75 psi at 2,500 rpms. Adding a pre oiler like an accusump also stops dry cranking conditions. The oil pressure you raed at the gauge IS NOT what the farthest rod bearing is getting. Save this for another thread. Good luck Rick Ps couldn't find any info for Ford rods in Howard or Callies, guessing custom made. Don't get scaried of aluminum, they need added clearance and weight is about 70-100 grams lighter, must allow material to warn up. Load factor is about 1/2 the limit at 7,000 rpms for this rod and piston. I friend running aluminums in an SBC with 28,000 miles on them and no problems. been in motor for 11 years of abuse. Just a thought. I do agree with going to a SBC rod size or even a 1.88" honda rod. Less weight faster rotational speed from idle. Clearance is most important. My FE is running BBC rods and no problems, race only. Rick.