SSTAT

Im rebuilding my LT1, has the earlier forged rods so Im upgrading. I do mostly road racing so I want the lighter I beams, but eagle only rates them to 6K and Im usually shifting right at 6K to 6500 RPM. The GM PMs are rated to 6500RPM. Now the Scat pro cat I beams have the bigger 7/16 rod bolts but they dont list an RMP rating on these. Im thinking of just going with the GM parts. Can anyone comment on the low RPM limit of the eagles, or does anyone know the RPM limit of the scat I beams? Thanks

Dan Parker '96

There's a bit of conservatism in those ratings. Even in road racing I don't think you have many tracks where you can sustain the max rpms at which the rods are rated for more than a dozen seconds. Even then I would feel comfortable as long as the parts are assembled to manufacturers specs.

SSTAT

True, but in typical street or drag racing use (as per most people here) a motor might only see over 6K RPM on AVERAGE 3 or 4 times a week. In ONE weekend of racing my motor sees 6K RPM a minimum of 1200 times. My old LT-1s PM rods held up fine but I ruined them (and the block)when the bearings went out. The new (old) motor I bought has the old forged rods in it, Im just sorting out which way to go.

Dan Parker '96

Hmm.. Drag racing provides even more limited time at peak power. My stock PM rods have loved a 422RWHP for many bottles. I've since changed to a completely different shortblock (forged 383) but it was not due to any deficiency in the original setup.

The stock '96 PM (powdered metal) rods are advertised to 500hp. You can run at that level for extended periods with confidence.

EDIT: BTW... my setup has run 7K for years. Considering the exponential rate of force I think 6K isn't much of a stress model.