RS Motorsport :: Classic Speed Restored

I know this has been discussed before but I’m not sure there was any definitive outcome/recommendation.

I have a ported big valve, big cam pinto head and want to build a suitable bottom end for it - Research reveals the weak link with the Aussie 2ltr pinto is the rods (and I don't have a sierra late model block (or even a 205)).

A few months back I was going to buy a set of the Chinese rods off eBay but then saw the debate on here questioning their worth. I then tried to locate Datsun rods but they appear to be rare-as too!

So what's the current recommendation re value for money rods & pistons that'll handle a revvy pinto engine????
•Burton’s – FT244/535 Farndon with FT135/91 Accralite piston? ($ - ouch)
•a set of 205 sierra rods?
•other?

should start a list here with pros & cons of all varietys

every body wants to rev the freckle out of their engine
but nobody wants to coat the engine bay with
good oil & the odd bits of "shrapnel"

My theory is the dollar is strong so now's the time to buy from our European and American cousins!

I just want to make sure i'm buying the right stuff.

How hard do you want to rev it and how much are you wanting to spend

Jet or Pankl titanium rods.
Should be well under 400 grams

Eagle stuff gets derided but I've had no assembly or running problems with their 4340 rods in a couple of 8000 + rpm V8 SBF's.
Somebody did a spectro test on a couple of lifed ones and found they were at the upper end for nickel and chrome.

hi i am also looking for rods and flat top pistons for a 2ltr,all the ones listed from race engneering ect have valve reliefs in top of piston,burton has flattops but double the price.if they have cutouts how much would this drop compression ratio? also what compression ratio would best suit the kent fr32 fast road cam.thanks.

2 things come to mind.

Does the FR 32 need valve reliefs ?

and


Have you asked Raceng if these pistons you want have reliefs, as their pics are very generic.

http://www.raceeng.com/images/domestic.pdf

i thought fr 32 was a fairly mild cam and wouldnt need valve reliefs?please tell me if it does,and no i havent been in contact with race eng as i thought photos were of the pistons supplied,ill get onto them 2moro.thanks

Eagle 4340 Pinto rods are available ex US for under $275 a set at the moment.

http://www.eaglerod.com/mosmodule/searchbyapp.php

I have used various rods in the pintos.

Depending on what you're aiming to acheive and how much money you want to spend there are plenty of rods available.

Lately I have done a few engines using the Spool Imports rods. The fact is that you can't buy a set of Cossy rods and prep them for the same price you can buy a set of Spool rods for. I have had a number of people who do my machining comment on the "bang for buck" factor. They are on the heavy side of things, but for a fast road or club racer/hillclimber they are perfect. Coupled up with a good lightweight piston and pin (I use SPS items made in Melb) they are a great combo and for the best part bullet proof for that type of engine. I also beleive from experts in the industry that they are rumoured to come out of the same place and the equiv Eagle rod (have compared and look extremely similar). I am yet to have one fail in engines turning 8000+.

In other more serious engines I have used the Argo rods of varying lengths with the same style piston as the above, once again no failures to date.

The rods that Momus suggested are quality gear also.

What you need to do is pick a rod that is suited for your application
N/a or turbo?
Road or race?
8000rpm or 10,000 rpm?
etc etc.

Whatever the application there is plenty available.

Warren

I was looking into buying a set of 5.7 pinto Oliver rods.

I think they look better than the Chinese rods.

However when I started talking plus 8 K rpms they went a bit funny and I decided not to buy them.

Roger they're too long