Are GM 7/16 dimple rods worth the money
05-10-2012, 10:34 AM
#1
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Are GM 7/16 dimple rods worth the money
I'm in the process of deciding what engine to buildup for my 65 project; options are 350 or 427. Leaning hard towards the 427.
I have a nice std. bore 2-Bolt 454 block, a steel 427 crank (10/10), a set of 3931063 390HP heads, a 3885069 intake and 1966 oil pan / valve covers. My plan would be to use TRW closed-chamber small dome profile forged pistons. Cam would hyd lifter maybe something in the Comp Cam Nostalgia Plus line. Still putting all this together and running the desktop numbers.
While GM 7/16 dimple (LS-7 rod) rods are better in quality and strength for a BBC buildup is there really a problem using stock 454 I-beam rods for this setup?
I have a nice std. bore 2-Bolt 454 block, a steel 427 crank (10/10), a set of 3931063 390HP heads, a 3885069 intake and 1966 oil pan / valve covers. My plan would be to use TRW closed-chamber small dome profile forged pistons. Cam would hyd lifter maybe something in the Comp Cam Nostalgia Plus line. Still putting all this together and running the desktop numbers.
While GM 7/16 dimple (LS-7 rod) rods are better in quality and strength for a BBC buildup is there really a problem using stock 454 I-beam rods for this setup?
05-10-2012, 11:46 AM
#2
Le Mans Master
I'm in the process of deciding what engine to buildup for my 65 project; options are 350 or 427. Leaning hard towards the 427.
I have a nice std. bore 2-Bolt 454 block, a steel 427 crank (10/10), a set of 3931063 390HP heads, a 3885069 intake and 1966 oil pan / valve covers. My plan would be to use TRW closed-chamber small dome profile forged pistons. Cam would hyd lifter maybe something in the Comp Cam Nostalgia Plus line. Still putting all this together and running the desktop numbers.
While GM 7/16 dimple (LS-7 rod) rods are better in quality and strength for a BBC buildup is there really a problem using stock 454 I-beam rods for this setup?
I have a nice std. bore 2-Bolt 454 block, a steel 427 crank (10/10), a set of 3931063 390HP heads, a 3885069 intake and 1966 oil pan / valve covers. My plan would be to use TRW closed-chamber small dome profile forged pistons. Cam would hyd lifter maybe something in the Comp Cam Nostalgia Plus line. Still putting all this together and running the desktop numbers.
While GM 7/16 dimple (LS-7 rod) rods are better in quality and strength for a BBC buildup is there really a problem using stock 454 I-beam rods for this setup?
05-10-2012, 11:59 AM
#3
Dr. Detroit
Member Since: Mar 2012
Location: New Braunfels Texas
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Save the dimple rods for a solid lifter motor......it is not so much an issue of power....it is rpm...Just make sure your stock 454 rods are fortified with ARP or even Grade 8 pioneer rod bolts.....as bolts that have been torqued many times lose tensile strength.
Jebby
05-10-2012, 12:08 PM
#4
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Thanks, I have the set that came out of the 454 engine I have so I will plan on using those with ARP rod bolts.
05-10-2012, 12:09 PM
#5
Drifting
I don't think your 390HP round port heads will mate too well with the 069 rectangular port manifold. It has been done before, but I don't know if you will wind up with a vacuum leak or not.
RON
05-10-2012, 01:43 PM
#8
Le Mans Master
05-10-2012, 02:56 PM
#9
Team Owner
Thread Starter
I have run this combination before with no problems on a 427.
Last edited by Mr D.; 05-10-2012 at 02:58 PM.
05-10-2012, 05:09 PM
#10
Le Mans Master
05-11-2012, 12:46 AM
#11
Heel & Toe
Member Since: Mar 2011
Location: Grand Forks ND
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G'day, The 454 rods properly prepared are an excellent rod and a great choice for a street engine. But, if you have access to the 7/16 bolt rods, by all means use them. Our ot drag car goes through the traps at 7500 rpms at 146 mph. The motor has "accidentally" seen 8300 rpms in the burnout box and has always held together. This is with stock 7/16 L88 rods with the original boron bolts.
