connecting rods for a 400 ci

[johndezman]

i know the "factory" rods are short at 5.565" and 5.7 or 6" are preferred. does someone make rods with the 400 rod journal and the longer length rod? or do you have to get the rod journals on the crank turned down to the 350 size? won't this grind below any surface treatment on the rod journal? do you have to get the crank retreated?

[1979toy]

The rod journals are the same size between a 350 and a 400.

The main bearings are not the same size.

[johndezman]

good news! thanks for the info.

are the newer powdered metal or the old "pink strip" rods stronger?

is there a "stock chevy" 6" rod?

[LD85]

you can buy 5.85 length also.

[johndezman]

are those GM manufacture or aftermarket? are they PM or other construction?

[LD85]

http://www.flatlanderracing.com/crhbeamscat.html

I just did a quick search, I am sure there are others out there, but it makes your pistons cost a little more due to the 5.85 length.

[VETDRMS]

I have the SCAT 6.0" H-Beams in my 406.

I just did the mock assembly today to check for clearances, i'm using a standard base circle cam, and no problems! Everything fits great. I did have to notch the oil pan rails to clear the cap screws, but that's a simple
fix. Look for a website soon with lots of pictures> :cool: :cheers:

[1979toy]

My 406 has 5.7" GM "pink" rods. They have to be ground at the inside bolt area for cam clearance. It is not easy to measure but you need a minimum of .030 clearance from what I've been told.
The 5.85 rod is an aftermarket rod only. GM did not ever make a rod in this length for the small block.
If you don't intend to rev this engine too high you could use the 5.65 inch rods and skip all the grinding or aftermarket rod business. You'd be surprised how many people are using the standard 400 rod for serious racing.

[The Dude]

Eagle ESP 6" H-beams with ARP bolts over here...