Jim - I think it was you who had mentioned previously, that the Buick 350 rods had potential clearance issues - mostly with the cam. Is that with aftermarket rods, stock ones, offset grinding the crank or what?? It would be nice if someone such as yourself, could help figure out just what would be needed (spec wise) when the time finally comes for someone to make billet 350 rods available(other than $$$). Is it feasable to run longer rods in the 350? Seems like the comp. height is fairly big - looks like there's plenty of room there, for longer rods w/custom pistons. Just like to hear your thoughts on this subject. Thanks, Scott
Scott, I already have a company that makes billet rods for the 350. The problem you run into on this engine is that because of the long stroke, 3.85 inches, ( a 455 is 3.9) and the engine basically began life as a 215 incher, the rod gets real close to the cam shaft as it swings up towards the cam. I can't see how any alum. rod would work here because they are so much bigger than a stock rod. The stock rod barely clears, most aftermarket rods are larger on the big end than stock, so this just makes things worse. There is room to go longer rods, but in recent testing I did on a 455 with 7.1 inch rods, I did not see any real advantage to the longer rod , power wise. I had a customer several years ago that insisted on alum rods for his 350, his machine shop ordered them, found out they would'nt work, then had a set of aftermarket stell rods made, those had to be clearanced. to clear. I'm sure the price of the rods could come down if there were enough orders. Jim Burek P.A.E. ENTERPRISES
Thanks Jim.:TU: At 1.65, the 350 already has a good rod/stroke ratio. I was just thinking that with a .500" longer rod (or more), we could get a lighter piston. I'm would imagine that we could shave more weight off the piston than would be added to the longer rod. What are you thoughts on that? Or am I barking up the wrong tree here? Thanks, Scott
You will end up with a lighter piston, but the increased rod length may increase the overall weight even more. Not totally sure on that one. Jim Burek
Re: Re: Attn: Jim Burek - 350 Rod Questions Who does your billet rods?? How do they compare weight wise, to the stockers? Thanks again, Scott
Re: Re: Re: Attn: Jim Burek - 350 Rod Questions They are made by Pauter machine. They weigh 678 grams. I have'nt weighed a stock rod lately. Jim Burek
I had gotten estimates from Pauter earlier in the year. Small World!!:Brow: No wonder they said it would be any problem making billet 350 rods!ou: They have an interesting design for their rods. Not your typical H-beam or I-beam. Thanks Jim, Scott
