Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan Roehrich
Unfortunately, there are only two NHRA accepted rods, an Eagle H beam (heavy, 35 grams over minimum, and relatively expensive) and a Manley (I have had bad results dealing with the company, but their rod is light, 56 grams under the minimum, and they seem to hold up well, I do not know what they cost). I had never thought about it, but Eagle does not offer a 5,565" SBC rod in their SIR line.
I do not like stock 400 rods at all, they are fairly prone to breaking or at least getting out of round on the big end.
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I would go with the Manleys and contact NHRA about the situation. As NHRA has approved the part already, I would say there's a very good chance they will amend the weight allowance. Despite what many think, NHRA is very helpful and understanding in these situations. I would also look at other rods to show NHRA at the same time that may be more to your liking and / or budget.
OEM rods just aren't designed to hold tolerances at 6500+ RPM. The big end becomes oval which squeezes the bearing at the parting line and bearing or engine failure results. Been there. The old alternative was to finish the big end with the hole out of round, semi-elliptical, so it would stretch round. I've done that also. It's a band-aide and not a very good one.
Best thing that NHRA allowed was aftermarket rods. Well...I guess there could be plenty of debate on that! Save yourself a major head-ache and go with something designed for race cars. Not station wagons and trucks!
Good luck.