Aluminum rod life

Hey everyone,

I'll be ordering my short block soon for my blown alky deal in my FED and had a talk with a local pro mod racer who suggested I run aluminum rods. I was originally going to go with steel H beams as my boost and hp level will be around 10-15lbs and 1000hp max. Details are below. I had a brief talk with the short block builder and went over the details and we had ended the conversation with using the steel H beams. When I call again I'm going to ask about the aluminum rods, but thought I would get feedback here.

How many runs do you think I could get out of a set of aluminum rods with my combination? 100....150? Would I be alright with a good set of steel H beams? Not looking to make crazy HP or ET's, just having some fun.

CR: 10.5 to 11:1 (will be confirmed when I talk to the builder next and choose pistons)
Blower: blower shop 8-71 stripped
Stroke: Originally wanted stock 4.00, but builder suggested going 4.25. not confirmed
Boost: planning on 10lbs to start, ending up around 15lbs when setup is figured out (not planning on a ton of boost)
RPM: keeping it low, 7000 to 7500 max
Injection: Enderle Bug with 100 pump, hat injectors only
Heads: most likely Brodix BB 3Xtra 119cc chambers

Thanks for your help. If I left something out just let me know.

J.C.

 

I ran a similar setup with a SBC in a Drag Boat--- I ran Crower steel rods for 10 years , same set , replaced bolts once , tore down every winter , they were flawless. I estimating 50 runs a year, some years less than others , close to 425 runs , plus lake time to boot---

Whatever you decide will work, but don't let anyone tell you steel rods won't work -=---

 

That's good to hear. I think the builder was thinking the same thing: not much boost and rpm, should be fine with steel. I know that if I do run steel, I need to make sure my setup is on the safe side (which it will be anyways since I wont be hard on the motor) to avoid detonation.

Forgot to mention as well that I'd be lucky to get to 50 passes a year due to my work schedule. so not a lot of track time, but will still be tearing down in the winter to check bearings.

 

We've ran oliver steel heavy weight rods for 10 years as well in a boat only turning 75-7800 boost levels from 20-40 never a problem. We're in the process of building another engine & going back with the same thing.