Piston guided engine Gen3 hemi
 

I have a thread on another forum about a modified Gen3 Hemi block that has been modified to use an LS main bearing setup to get a 360 degree thrust bearing. Problem with it is it is 2.93 stroke and due to the block being modified for the LS thrust bearing which is narrower than a Gen3 forged crank in order to get a longer stroke it has to be a billet crank. No forgings with enough meat to be cut for the LS bearing.
Someone responded on the other forum asking if I had thought about a piston guided setup. Either I don't really understand that setup or it won't help. Can anylone see how it would help and maybe explain what I am missing. As I see it the piston guided setup just floats the small end of the rod with tight side clearance at the piston and at the crank it really doesn't matter since the rod only has side to side of 2-3 thou. Still need to have the end play limited by the thrust baring. Don't think you would limit end play by using rod big end or would you?
Any thoughts. No not a SS build, just looking for better brains than mine.

Re: Piston guided engine Gen3 hemi
 

I think a piston guided rod has a lot of side clearance on the big end and relies on the piston to center up the rod on the crank . I don't think it has anything to do with crankshaft endplay . I don't really understand what the reason is for wanting all that side clearance at the big end , unless it helps more oil flow through the bearing . Possibly allows the designer to make a lighter piston .

Re: Piston guided engine Gen3 hemi
 

less rotating mass Big end of the rod is just a flywheel.

Re: Piston guided engine Gen3 hemi
 

My understanding is that the piston guided rods had less friction. It was also told it was popular for NASCAR qualifying engines back when they could use them. I have had one motor with this setup and I agree it has nothing to do with crankshaft endplay.

Re: Piston guided engine Gen3 hemi
 

Would it make the piston rooster, read ( **** ) in the bore parallel to the mains?

Re: Piston guided engine Gen3 hemi
 

Haven't heard from the guy on Moparts to see how he thinks this will help. If I do I will let you guys know. Thanks for the responses.