WETTE VETTE

I went to the PRI show this weekend in Indy and asked all of the vendors which rod they recommended for a BBC marine application in the 800 to 850 HP range at 6500 RPM max. They all recommended their highest end steel rod which seem to sell in the $1000 to $1500 range. Lunati was the only one to recommend something less than their top of the line billet rod. They said the Pro Mod rod ($750) is what they would recommend and said they have many engine builders using them on up to 1300 HP engines. The problem I have is they are rated in their catalog at 750 HP @ 8500 RPM. Anyway I thought I would get some real world info from some of the OSO guys that have had good, bad or otherwise experiences using Pro Mod or any other rod.
Thanks

26scarab

Oliver or Carrillo are very high on the list although I cheaped out and went with Eagle.

Dave F

I decided on two choices when I was building mine. Oliver billet or Lunati billet. Both are made in the USA and I have faith in both.

I went with the Lunati billet simply because of a better price.
In my opinion one is as good as the other.

Just my .02
DAVE

Brad Perry

I remember Dean telling me that he thought the Eagle H beams with l19 bolts were good to 1200hp with no issues (their crank too).

26scarab

I don't think I would put 1200hp thru an Eagle crank...

WETTE VETTE

I did speak to the guys in the Eagle booth and they said they have numerous 4.5" and 4.25" strokers in 1800 HP drag motors and haven't had any trouble with them. They did say they that those motors are using Aluminum rods. I know a few guys in Michigan had some problems with Eagle products. I realize the Pro Billet stuff is the best, but it is also the most expensive. The Lunati Pro Mod rods and H-beam types from Eagle and Manley are quite a bit less and will probably do just fine in HP boat motors. Any other opinions are certainly welcome. Like many other OSO wrench turners, I am looking for the best bang for my buck and I am trying to get some more info before I start spending!!! Brad, what crank and rods are you running in your blown 540?

DonMan

Also keep in mind that the weight of the piston has some influence on the rod too. A big `ol heavy ass TRW can give a rod quite a workout. Of course, a 850hp engine probably has some good chit in it anyway, like JE or ROSS.
I`ve heard that Oliver is one of the better choices......

WETTE VETTE

Agreed DonMan. Rods seem to be rated at a particular HP and RPM. Which is more critical in proper rod selection? Marine engines generally don't see much over 6000 to 6500 RPM max, and most rods are rated at 7500 or 8000 RPM. If lightweight pistons are used in an 850 HP motor that sees 6000 RPM, is it possible that rods rated at 750 HP at 8000 RPM will suffice?

DonMan

I buy a lot of stuff from a place called Scoggin-Dickey in Lubbock, TX (they are close to me). Just thumbing through their catalog, they list some Childs & Albert "TrackMaster" rods for $90 each ($720 set). These are rated to 850 hp. They also show some Crower "Sportsman" rods for $565 set. These are rated at 850 hp @ 8500 rpm. You might get their opinion on rods for a MARINE application. Their tech line is: 1-806-798-4108
I just noticed this is last years catalog, prices may vary......

DonMan

FYI:
A buddy runs Manley "Sportsman" rods in his BBC that is in a V-Drive drag boat. He sees lots of RPM but for only a few seconds. His rods are rated for 750 hp. He is putting out 700 hp. He has had good results thus far. Also remember: Absolute, spot-on machine work and assembly are also a big key in making engines live at this horsepower level.