What do you think of my rods?

[furyus]

1974 440. Due for a rebuild. After 45 years, are these safe for a street performance engine? I did put ARP rod bolts in them 20 years ago, when I built the engine.
Car ran a best of 12.12, at 110 mph, about 8 years ago. So, mostly street driving, some burnouts, etc.

 

[Lefty71]

They'll do fine. Just have the sizing and true checked when you rebuild and I'd put new bolts in again too, especially if they show any sign of stretch. That's cheap insurance against a spun rod bearing and maybe a new crank, or worse.

 

[RPMagoo]

Was looking for Hot Rods. -- --

 

[slepr1]

I debated this very question on my 440 rebuild right up to the last minute. In researching different opinions I decided to buy new Eagle rods. Price wasn't that bad, with Summit discount, was in the $400 range. I sleep much better at night knowing that these new rods should outlast me instead of hoping the 50+ year old technology will hold up. I'm very happy with the change and would do it again.
Nothing wrong with the LY rods you have though. They will work. Although it's an easy upgrade while you are rebuilding.

 

[Curiousyellow71]

I didn't have any problems with the Ly rods and arp until I got up past 600 hp and pulled a rod in 2 at that point. 550 hp or less I wound not be afraid of Ly rods with arp bolt. Aftermarket rods are not a bad upgrade for the buck if the old rods require resizing and new bolts your most of the way to a new set. But you very likely will need to have it balanced for the new rods. My suggestion if your getting the engine balanced...put aftermarket rods in. If you are not having it balanced...stick with the Ly's( less then 550hp). More then 550 hp...new rods.

 

[Wietse]

I sometimes think that if a con rod has been in there so many years it for sure will not have casting flaws etc. and is a reliable part.
As above was mentioned to make sure it still is like that getting them inspected for cracks and have them measured/machined to have a true straight rod i believes gives more confidence then a new machined aftermarket product.
That still needs to prove himself

 

[threewood]

Run em! I have LY rods in my build with ARP bolts, small end floated. No problemo on the street.

 

[biomedtechguy]

with ARP bolts

That is a cheap, but often mentioned and critical upgrade.