69 318 rods

[cowboy4x4n]

guys.  I have the rods out of a 69 block that was in a dodge pickup.  are these rods ok to use for a performance build.  i hear things like light duty and heavy duty rods but not sure what i have.  i believe they are full floating.

[Cooter]

Most tend to think the 1968-1972 318 engines had the "good" rods. However, with today's aftermarket, a set of Eagle rods should be on any HP build IMO.

If for nothing more than assurance.

[cowboy4x4n]

oh id love to buy new rods but the budget im on i am limited. i chose to go with kb 167 pistons and with what i have left I was going to buy arb rod bolts if the factory rods are strong enough. 

[cowboy4x4n]

does anyone know what factory rods are capable of withstanding hp and tq wise

[cowboy4x4n]

anyone

[Cooter]

Remember, a 318 making 400 HP= Huge money and very little drivability.

A cheap 440 making 400 HP= Cam, intake,carb, and header swap.....

[JB400]

Remember, a 318 making 400 HP= Huge money and very little drivability.

A cheap 440 making 400 HP= Cam, intake,carb, and header swap.....

Depends on what the car is for.  Some people look for the 50/50 weight distribution.  440's tip the scale too much one way.  From what I've noticed, 318's  with 2 bbls are quite popular with the Hobby stock guys with  in dirt track racing.  Plentiful and cheap, 300-400 hp is plenty adequate for short tracks.  Pea shooters work fine for some while an Abrams tank is preferred for others.

[cowboy4x4n]

While a big block is always preferred my question was about the 318 rods.  I do not have the money needed to swap everything in my small block car to stuff a big block.  Everyone is always quick to suggest a big block and the cost to build one vs making a sb more powerful, yet no one factors in new trans radiator and other items needed to convert.

[chargd72]

Everyone is always quick to suggest a big block and the cost to build one vs making a sb more powerful, yet no one factors in new trans radiator and other items needed to convert.

I couldn't agree with this more.  Don't forget the cost of suspension and rear end upgrades.  But I will chime in and suggest going with the stroker.  I run a nicely built 318 and it just needs more cubes.

[Cooter]

Just for comparison purposes only here and not to derail more than already is, I have swapped 440's where 318's were for peanuts. It doesn't have to cost all that much all at once. Suspension upgrades are a given on any engine package, especially one with 400 HP where a 230 HP engine was. SB or BB.

But, back to original question, Yes, those rods SHOULD in theory be ok for a 300-400 HP build. However, this is only an estimate, NOT a guarantee.

[cowboy4x4n]

Awsome thanks.  I agree the swap can be done in steps but this is a daiky driven car I dont wanna sacrifice safety for cost.  And I have been eye balling striker kits.  Any paticukar kit you recommend

[Cooter]

Awsome thanks.  I agree the swap can be done in steps but this is a daiky driven car I dont wanna sacrifice safety for cost.  And I have been eye balling striker kits.  Any paticukar kit you recommend

For the 318? Some Seem to like the 390 Stroker...

[cowboy4x4n]

yeah i figured since i have the block id do a 390 if the price was right.  chargd72.  is there a kit u recommend

[chargd72]

yeah i figured since i have the block id do a 390 if the price was right.  chargd72.  is there a kit u recommend

I haven't built a 390 stroker but I am in the process of building 426 stroker out of a 360 block.  I will be using a kit from Hughes Engines. 

Not the cheapest out there but the rotating assembly is the last thing you want to skimp on if you want a performance engine that lasts.

http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/products.php?browse=category&level0=U21hbGwgQmxvY2siTEEiIDI3MywzMTgsMzQwIGFuZCAzNjAgZW5naW5lcw==&level1=MzE4LzM5MCBTdHJva2VyIEtpdHM=&partid=25284

[Chryco Psycho]

I would polish the beams , shot peen them & balance them & run them with new bolts

[cowboy4x4n]

ok thanks chryco