[nickynos468]

hi guys, i just bought a eagle 383 rotating assembly for my 97 silverado.im looking to build this engine myself since i cut out all the guess work by buying everything as a kit.my question is: is there a certain position that the connecting rod is supposed to face in cunjunction to the front of the block?i know that by looking at the rods i can see that 1 side is chamfered more that the other at the big end of the rod. the rod themselves dont have any other indication that tells me which side goes towards the front of the block other than 2 letters that are stamped ES. does this even matter which way the rods are facing in the motor? the pistons have just 2 valve reliefs right next to each other not 2 on top and 2 on the bottom which tells me that the reliefs must be towards the top of the block.so i know which way the pistons go i just want to make sure the connecting rods are installed facing the right position as well if it applies. any info would be greatly appreciated.

[jimfulco]

The non-chamfered sides of each pair of connecting rods should face each other. The chamfered side goes next to the crankshaft web. This assures that any radius between the rod journal and the web doesn't touch the rod.

You're right about the valve reliefs being at the top. If the valve reliefs are different sizes, the big one needs to be at the intake valve.

If the pistons are offset, there should be a mark that goes toward the front of the engine.

[nickynos468]

thanks jim. let me ask u another question, i keep hearing about the eagle rods having issues. do u think this kit is fine for my truck? i mostly use it to tow my trailer and car,and maybe some visits to the local homedepot. im not at all going to crazy with the engine,just want something a bit more stout than the tired 350 thats in it.

[SSedan64]

Main problem with the Eagle rods is the big end/journal end being egg shaped or out of round when the caps are torqued down. May want to have a shop check them before you install to be sure.

[nickynos468]

the rods are brand new and never been installed,there are balanced from the company and i also have the spec card that came with it.do u still recommend them be checked before install? or does this apply to reusing them in the future ? u guys are a great help,i appreciate it very much.

[OHD]

Have both the rods and crankshaft very carefully checked, there are known numerous issues with both.

You will probably end up having to have the rods resized and the crankshaft turned to make within specs and useable.

Not a bad idea to upgrade the rod bolts, while the work is being done.

[nickynos468]

will do,the rods already have the arp cap stye bolts in the rods.i will look into having the rods and the crank checked.just to be safe. i would of never though of having them checked even if they were new,shows how great this site is. thanks guys enjoy the holidays

[RippinRon]

Originally Posted by SSedan64

Main problem with the Eagle rods is the big end/journal end being egg shaped or out of round when the caps are torqued down. May want to have a shop check them before you install to be sure.

My machinist up here in Canada has seen the same problems with the sir rods. They don't like to stay round. Just because a rotating assembly says balanced doesn't mean they shouldn't be checked. Its cheaper to make sure now then fix it later.

[nickynos468]

assuming the rods are not round and i put this engine together,would the oil pressure be affected in any way or are there more catastrophic consequenses here?

[sbchevfreak]

Rods out of round can wipe out bearings due ti unequal clearances. The bearing will bind in spots and be loose in others.