looking into repacement rods for 350

[buick535]

We are looking into some replacement steel rods for use in the 350 Buick engine. These are rods that already exist. They are Nascar rods. If it works out, it will once more open up the door for more 350 performance. I'll keep you posted on how this works out. Jim Burek

[TXGS]

Jim, are these 1K rods?

[10sec 455]

Jim,
I have already been down that road. I could not find one wide enough, or if it was wide enough the pin size was way too small ect. They range in many lengths, 6.300,6350,6.400 ect., but the closest I could find was a 6.300, but it would require custom pistons.
Jeff

[buick535]

Originally posted by 10sec 455
Jim,
I have already been down that road. I could not find one wide enough, or if it was wide enough the pin size was way too small ect. They range in many lengths, 6.300,6350,6.400 ect., but the closest I could find was a 6.300, but it would require custom pistons.
Jeff


Yes, I am aware of that, I'm not talking a straight drop in, some work will be required. But it looks like we will be able to use off the shelf Buick pistons.

[10sec 455]

Originally posted by TXGS
Jim, are these 1K rods?

Phil,
No, new they are $2000 rods.

[TXGS]

Ouch, not in my budget!

[BignastyGS]

No one said going fast is cheap...Guess I'll settle for 12's then...:LAUGH:

[buick535]

Originally posted by 10sec 455
Phil,
No, new they are $2000 rods.



You are right, they are very expensive new. These are NASCAR take outs. Removed form engines that have been run. The rods are rechecked from the manufacturer to check for cracks, stretching, any kind of defects. Then they are sold cheap. This is a good way to find out if something like this will work. The rods are built way over kill for what we need . It's not much different than the hand me down that happens in drag racing, the top fuel boys use a part, then hand it down to the alchhol guys, from there to sportsman racers and eventually to the bracket guys.
The NASCAR boys can afford to buy a new set of rods for each race.

I fwe were having to pay $2000 for them, I would'nt even consider it. I can have rods made for right at $1000. These rods can be picked up for $200 to $400. Jim Burek

[71stage1conv]

I think that is outstanding Jim! What max RPM do you think the stock crank can handle?:WINK:

[buick535]

Originally posted by 71stage1conv
I think that is outstanding Jim! What max RPM do you think the stock crank can handle?:WINK:



I think the crank will live easy in the mid to upper 6000 rpm range. Jim

[BillMah52]

Jim,
I would most definitely be interested in your "findings" with these rods. Even after machining, if we can have something useful for under $750 it will free some $$$ for other go fast parts.
A little disappointing on this end. My quest for a manifold and heads is producing little more than tap dancing and promises. We did recieve two "adapted" manifolds from one manufacturer but turned out to be big flops. We still do better with the worked iron manifold.
The heads hold a little more promise. Have actually seen CAD layouts for two different configurations. Both post and shaft rocker setups, modified water passages, Dart style combustion chambers.
The dream is not dead yet!
How you making out with iron heads? Have you found the magic 300 intake number yet? We get close but haven't YET. We keep trying though. :CRAP:

[buick535]

Originally posted by BillMah52
Jim,
I would most definitely be interested in your "findings" with these rods. Even after machining, if we can have something useful for under $750 it will free some $$$ for other go fast parts.
A little disappointing on this end. My quest for a manifold and heads is producing little more than tap dancing and promises. We did recieve two "adapted" manifolds from one manufacturer but turned out to be big flops. We still do better with the worked iron manifold.
The heads hold a little more promise. Have actually seen CAD layouts for two different configurations. Both post and shaft rocker setups, modified water passages, Dart style combustion chambers.
The dream is not dead yet!
How you making out with iron heads? Have you found the magic 300 intake number yet? We get close but haven't YET. We keep trying though. :CRAP:



I have'nt had time to try to push the little 350 head any further yet, But I have'nt given up yet either. Bill, can you give me a cal at the shop maybe? 915-855-6009? I need to have a chat with you. Jim

[BillMah52]

Jim,
I'm off on Friday. We will talk then if you are going to be at the shop.
Anything specific so I can have the info at hand?
You and the family have a Happy and Hearty Thanksgiving.

[buick535]

Jim,
I'm off on Friday. We will talk then if you are going to be at the shop.
Anything specific so I can have the info at hand?
You and the family have a Happy and Hearty Thanksgiving.



Bill, I am planning on being off on friday. What I want to talk to you about won't require any prep on your part. But I want to keep it private at the moment. I will probably be in the shop on saturday afternoon. Jim

[BuickCityPsycho]

UPDATES?????

[Dave Burns]

UPDATES?????

Sean,

While I wont try and speak for Jim directly................. these are my rods he has in his hot little hands now. He has looked them over and is of the opinion they will work just fine for what I am aiming at doing. They are billet, with Carr bolts in them. Rods that the Ford guys are using in Nascar I have been told. They WILL require some work be done to them of course, and like he mentioned custom pistons, but nothing tooooo major in teh grand scheme of things. And if all comes together as planned, I will be into the setup for about the same $$$ as a set of one off rods. That is complete and ready to go. As soon as I can, and if Jim doesn't, I will update yall. Measuring/ordering for the pistons is next on the list. :TU: This pile of parts is getting dangerously close to becoming a turbo'd small block. :BROW: :BROW: Better get the car done now huh ??? :DOU:

[BuickCityPsycho]

any updates

[Ramjet]

Hello Everyone, the steel rods you want are laying in my garage. I had them made by Mechart back in the early nineties. Also the stock 350 crank is nearly indestructable. I turned the stock crank and Mechart rods to 7500 RPM while making 480 HP and it lived. Went 11:60 in a 3700 Lb car. A side note on the stregth of the crank. A friend of mine broke every main cap except the back one, such that only the rear main and the timing chain were holding the crank in the engine. He finished the pass noticed no oil pressure and tore the engine down. The crank did not fail! It was cracked everywhere, but did not break. This was also a high 400 HP 350 engine. Absolutely amazing! If you are interested in the rods I am looking to sell my engines and parts very reasonably priced. -Ramjet

[Dave Burns]

If you are interested in the rods I am looking to sell my engines and parts very reasonably priced. -Ramjet

I would like to talk to ya. Please email your number and a good time to call to buickdav at yahoo.com. I'll be glad to pay for the call. Thanks.......

[Ramjet]

Dave did you recieve my e-mail?