Steel rod life expectancy

[Bobby Lundholm]

Originally Posted by joespanova

Anyone using steel rods to 9000 RPM (give or take) with 300 plus runs?
I lost a rod this weekend, ( Howards aluminum ) although the damage was basically just the block , 1 piston..........., Now I'll put a spare block into service and consider steel rods..............but , I'm not about to spend 3-4 grand on a set of Carillos.........no way. I'll go back to aluminum , possibly. I think any rod manufacturer that tells you their aluminum rods will see 300 runs in a combo like mine is full of shee-ot.
My fault / stupidity for running them past the 80 -100 runs ..........I should have chucked them a month ago........I'm a slow learner......... But my best guess is I didnt have more than 125 runs on those rods.

Small Chevy , 14.0 comp 6.150 rod.........so you can do the math , the piston isn't heavy.........

Give me a call I work at Oliver Racing Parts I'll work with you. We've had customers call that had 10 years on set of rods in 2,500 HP blower motor. Oliver is the only company that every part of the production process is done in the USA to be exact everything is done in Michigan.
231-237-4515