Shovelhead

Thanks....that's a "Keeper".

Scotty

This is similar to Grills. <br><br>George Foreman on the left, Hamilton Beach in the middle and the Westbend on the far right.<br><br>

Berak

What process does Duramax and Cummins use for creating the rods? I know the new Ford uses powdered metal . That's great for initial build tolerances but doesn't give me any warm and fuzzies when pouring on the coal ... <br><br>

BigBlue

I would think that they would be forged given the type of compression ratio we run. I thought Ford only used the powdered metal rods in the gas engines.

Berak

Ford has been using PM rods for a few years in the PSD.

Iron Horse

[quote author=Scotty link=board=8;threadid=12836;start=0#121430 date=1048864740]<br>This is similar to Grills.<br>[/quote]<br><br>What isn't similar to grills anymore..... :

Redleg

I know powdered has been around awhile and is suppose to be a strong process, but has it been around long enuff to know whether it holds to long term wear? I'm sure race cars, who would be showing immediate wear, use forged only. I have a chevy 350 for a 65 Malibu that needs an overhaul, and have been wondering which way to go. It won't be built to much more than 350 bhorse if that.

richard

[quote author=Redleg link=board=8;threadid=12836;start=0#121643 date=1048892411]<br>I know powdered has been around awhile and is suppose to be a strong process, but has it been around long enuff to know whether it holds to long term wear? I'm sure race cars, who would be showing immediate wear, use forged only. I have a chevy 350 for a 65 Malibu that needs an overhaul, and have been wondering which way to go. It won't be built to much more than 350 bhorse if that.<br>[/quote]<br>Don't worry about the stock rods in your small block chevy. As long as you are not going to run over 11:1 compression, see 6000 rpm on a regular basis, or run any kind of power adder, nitrous, turbo, supercharger. Stock bore, cast crank, 2 bolt main, cast piston setups are relatively inexpensive, reliable. Just make sure to have everything checked by a competent auto machine shop first. I have put together a few small blocks in many different applications. Just remember, the small details matter. Cam bearings, oil pumps, rod and main bearings, should all be of good quality from a well known maufacturer. the better mfg companies are known for consistency, quality, longevity. In other words, build a good strong bottom end with good replacement parts the first time. pm me if you need any help, be glad to give advice.

shortfieldbreak

Powdered metal is very strong, but also very brittle as far as metals go....stronger=more brittle. I wouldn't want one in my crankcase.<br><br>-SFB

Big_Daddy_T

Ive read of a few boys who suspect the pm's of failing prematurely and ventilating the block. I seen one sticking out the bottom of an oil pan In some pictures I was looking through.

Superduty12v

The 1999 Powerstroke was the last year of forged rods on their diesels. 2000+ are powdered. Powdered rods aren't good choices when you're using extra fueling to obtian more power. Powdered rods don't flex and give like the forged rods do. You need flexible rods when you have such high explosive things going on.... like nitrous/propane.

Redleg

Powdered may be stiff/strong, but I was wondering about wear as well. It seems forged or hardened would reduce wear. Would powdered wear quicker?<br><br>Also which would be lighter? If you were running reasonable fuel mix, which would allow higher rpm's?<br><br>Just curious, the project is a long ways out yet.<br><br>Thanks Richard, gotta get the truck squared away first and get a little fishing in.

UTAH

;D Impressive! ;D<br><br>I hope you're O.K. that I posted it over at TDS - Thanks! 8)<br><br>Best to y'all<br>Bill

Superduty12v

If I were you... which I'm not of course.... I'd go with the `99 forged rods hands down. Look in the gas engine racing world. Forged rods are going to be your best bet with most &quot;aftermarket&quot; anything. Short of exotic metals that are too expensive for most people that is.