[cobalt327]

Compared the piston/rod weight from a '92 non-roller block (I mean totally- no spider bosses, etc.) and a '99 Vortec 5.7L powdered metal rod/piston.

'92 weighs 1410 grams, w/rings and nuts (and carbon), w/o bearings.

'99 weighs 1320 grams, as above.

Just comparing the caps, '99 was 10g lighter than the old style cap (130g to 140g). I suspect most of the difference is in the piston.

With ARP bolts, about how much rpm are the powdered metal rods good for, using stock-weight pistons?

How to they compare, strength-wise, to the "old" rods?

Thanks, I'm trying to get up to speed w/this Vortec deal...

[SSedan64]

The PM rods replaced the Pink forged rods. They're made from very good material, purer powdered metal. Competition Products used to sell them new with ARP bolts around $199. Rated @400HP & 7000rpm.

[cobalt327]

Thanks for that info.

I'll say this- the "new" rods' finish is far and away better than the pink-style rods.

The forge lines are almost non existent, they're smooth as can be w/o any prep work.

The area around the bolt head and nut bosses are very nicely contoured, the cap looks much better and is lighter, to boot.

All in all, an improvement- as long as the strength's still there, and it would appear it is.

Between the rods and the almost slipper skirt and thinner rings of the piston, you would almost think they were aftermarket parts.

BTW, what's the ticket for plugging the 3/4" crank position sensor hole in the timing cover?

[Hogg]

Originally Posted by cobalt327

Thanks for that info.

I'll say this- the "new" rods' finish is far and away better than the pink-style rods.

The forge lines are almost non existent, they're smooth as can be w/o any prep work.

The area around the bolt head and nut bosses are very nicely contoured, the cap looks much better and is lighter, to boot.

All in all, an improvement- as long as the strength's still there, and it would appear it is.

Between the rods and the almost slipper skirt and thinner rings of the piston, you would almost think they were aftermarket parts.

BTW, what's the ticket for plugging the 3/4" crank position sensor hole in the timing cover?

An old crank position sensor OR get the plastic front timing cover that was used on crate engiens and marine engines that ODESNT have teh hole.

peace
Hog

[GenYnNC]

Competition Products still sells them re-sized with ARP's- NOW- $150 a set... what a freakin steal.