Forged Connecting Rods

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Well, I've been doing some research on forged connecting rods for my build. I've been looking at 4 different connecting rods and all seem to be a bit different as far as specs go. All are for the Viper Gen 3; so, why the differences? Can some please tell me what the correct sizes are for our motors?

Manufature Length Journal Size Housing Bore Size Wrist Pin Size
K1 6.221" 2.250" 2.125" .927"
Carrillo 6.242" 2.252" ????? .927"
Olivier 6.250" ?????? 2.125 ????
Callies 6.250" ?????? 2.124" ????
 
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i'm not 100% sure but i don't think any of those are jsut a "drop-in" forged rod, meaning all of them require you to machine the engine for them to fit, and also require a different piston to go with them. i think tony can get forged rods and pistons that are a "drop-in" deal. how ever if you want to save some money you could use chevy rods and pistons instead(would require more machine work and planning though) TNviper's engine was done this way and it was one of the fastest ROE trucks on here.
 
the K-1 rods i think are the only drop ins out there ,,,,thats what i have on my spare im building
 
Yes, the K-1s are the only forged rods I know of for the Viper engines that have the same size big-end as the crank pin; and save machining costs.

Although they are a Chinese product, they are supposed to be a-okay. China is the world's largest steel producer, we are told.

I am going to do a tensile strength test (break) on a couple of K1s, and see how they do. Not the ultimate rod test but it should be a guide as real-world info. on them is hard to find. They should be stronger than the o.e.m. rods.

The manufacturers of the more expensive rods will argue why their rod is a better choice than the other guys..

The K1s are the least expensive and come with good rod bolts.

They are supposed to be good for 1000 horsepower (whatever that means...) ;) I'm more interested to know how reliably they can yank the piston back at 6500.

As for using off the shelf Chevy pistons and rods, you can machine cranks, piston pin bores and cylinder bores (within reason) to just about any size you like. Custom forged pistons can be built for specific applications (dome shape and such, to work with your heads). Off the shelf units may not be the best choice.

Just remember to re-balance when you are done.

Ronnie
 
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Well, I've been doing some research on forged connecting rods for my build. I've been looking at 4 different connecting rods and all seem to be a bit different as far as specs go. All are for the Viper Gen 3; so, why the differences? Can some please tell me what the correct sizes are for our motors?

Manufature Length Journal Size Housing Bore Size Wrist Pin Size
K1 6.221" 2.250" 2.125" .927"
Carrillo 6.242" 2.252" ????? .927"
Olivier 6.250" ?????? 2.125 ????
Callies 6.250" ?????? 2.124" ????

they are all pretty comparable, Oliver being the absolute best in my book, carrillo's quality since the buy out a few years ago there quality has dropped a bit, but still an excellent choice, you will not go wrong with any.
we use the K1 basically for the ease of installation and no xtra machining, they are used in a lot of the lx builds now making well close to 900 or better hp, as well as some of the fastest buicks now in the country, and a nice side note is tom the owner was the original designer for the oliver rods.
We have a few sets in a couple really nice builds here, making some serious hp , but they havent posted up in a bit, actually have the rods in quite a few builds we have done here lately and are holding up well.
Even Ronnie has purchased a couple sets from me for his builds
I would suggest if you have any doubts, call the manufacuterer, like K1 , ask to speak to the owner, I know Tom will allways answer the phone, and he can def lead you in the right direction,
I got all your info boss, Jeff got back into town yesterday, so we gave some speaking together on it, I wont be available today, but will give you a shout tomorrow.
lata
basically it all comes down to the $$ you want to spend, we put olivers in eddies twin turbo, and I have used K1's in the rest of our builds , which at the moment si quite a few out there
 
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Olivers purchased for my truck....

Sometimes it just makes you feel better to spend twice the money on something..:D

Those rod bolt bosses are just way to sexy to pass up...
 
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Olivers for my truck....

Sometimes it just makes you feel better to spend twice the money on something..:D

:eating::eating:Those rod bolt bosses are just way to sexy to pass up...:eating::eating:

they do catch ones eye. :rock::rock:

do add quiet a bit more clampin area:rock:
 

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