Hi guys.

I've been looking all night long and found few places that make titanium ones.
Are they how reliable?
And what about aluminum ones? Pros and cons?

Any opinions?

 

There will no doubt be places in the US that offer both.

But Capricorn, Arrow, Farndon might be some UK sources

The biggest question is, do you really need them ? What sort of rpm will you be using ?

Steel rods may be heavy, but you know 100% that it is super strong. I'd be looking to lighter pistons first.

Titanium is strong, not as much so as steel, but of course it is much lighter. Cant say Ive heard of it being used that often though even in high rpm screamers

Alu/GRP as they call them. These are light, but they are also huge. The proportions are always much larger than a similar steel rod because the material is weaker and needs to be larger to be strong enough.
They are also alleged to deform over a period of time. Although that might be because the people who use them, use them in extreme duty scenarios. ie top level drag racing so they are making huge power for short periods. So they almost replace them as a service item. Just check for used ones for sale, they are readily available and quite cheap because of this. Ive a big alloy conrod sitting beside me at the minute from some sort of drag car.
Same as these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BROOKS-88-AL...-/250898078697

Or smaller SBC ones

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Manley-Small...#ht_500wt_1076

They are so cheap used, because they are deemed beyond their service life.

 

Hi Stevie.

Not sure that i really need them, but the reason why I want those are ~150mm rods.
My plan is to stroke YB-engine with 84mm crank. And with that crank, should rods bottom also be as small as possible without compromising durability.

 

Not YB specific, but 84mm isnt a long stroke by any means. I cant comment on how that might fit in a YB block though. I'm sure you could clearance some areas for rod clearance.

I'm certainly no expert, but in my opinion steel will be the strongest, and probably the best option. And also the most accessible as plenty of places will make steel rods.

I'm sure if you asked any of the above people, told them your application, piston weight, crank details and intended rpm, they could advise what is best as they'll be able to calculate the various loads.

 

Robson engineering in Coventry for all your rod needs pal

 

Thanks Stevie.

I have sent email to Arrow.
I asked here because I want users experiences and opinions.
These I can not get from the manufacturer.

 

http://www.capricorngroup.net/en/aut...en/pleuel.html

Although I'd say they will be very expensive given their profile. But ya never know.

Arrow will be 100% top stuff too.

Or try John at Specialist Components. He does a lot of fancy stuff.

http://www.specialist-components.co....ine-components

 

Thanks for links guys.

 

depending upon grade titanium is not weaker than steel... and has a density of around half.

My dad had an engine built 10 or so years ago with titanium rods. Never missed a beat but titanium prices have gone nuts since then! I think back then 8 rods were 2K I really doubt you will get 4 for 1K now....

I have an ali rod on my book shelf, and as said they are HUGE! very light though, they have a service life. Some people refer to them as stretch rods, as they stretch a little at the top of piston travel to reduce the loads applied by reducing the declaration of the piston a little, they are said to have a certain number of 'stretches' and therefore have a service life as said.

Rob,

 

Of course, dont overlook contacting the likes of Carillo directly. I'm sure they know a thing or two about rods.