Stock rods with 355?

[IronOutlaw]

Im starting to plan my 355 build. It's gonna be a fast street car with some trips to the track in the summer. I'm planning on a 100-150 shot. I'm keeping the stock computer so I'd like to shift at around 6500-6800 rpms.

I want to keep the stock crank. Im not sure on pistons and rods yet. I figured forged pistons would be a must but Im not sure if I should re-use the stock rods or if I should go with a forged set.

Goals for the car will be mid 11s and around 420RWHP.

What do you guys recommend?

[firebird_1995]

I can't tell you what to do, but if I had it to do over again I would have went with forged rods with my build. They are the weakest part of my engine.

[97firehawk]

I have forged 6 inch scat rods in my 355.

[BLK95-Z]

5.7" eagle I beams in mine. Cheap and rated to 600hp

[95ImpySS]

I agree with everyone else. Connecting rods are the second highest stressed part in an engine. Upgrade them if spinning that high and with a power adder. I picked up a set of forged Scat rods for my TT 383 for under $300 shipped. Scat rated them to 700 hp. Check out CNCmotorsports.com. They had the best prices I could find at the time.

[IronOutlaw]

I decided on Scat 6" I beams. I didnt realize the machine work was so expensive on keeping the stock rods so I figured Id spend a little more and go forged 6".

[z28cam70]

good choice for your build

[dennis5374]

I reused my stock rods in my 355 and I've sprayed it 30-40 times with a 150 shot and speed pro hypers. That being said go with forged h beams and a good quality forged piston. Don't by a cast after market crank they are junk. Either have the stock one turned and polished or buy a 4340 crank. Eagle is actually very good quality but I've heard people have issues with the rod sizing. Even if it costs you an extra 1500-2000 id do it right the first time you wont regret it. I had my motor rebuilt and got it back two months ago. Im pulling it apart again in 3 weeks and going with billet crank and rods.

[BIG CAT]

i would not use a stock rod for what your doing. keep in mind you will need to have it balanced so at this point you need to ask your self if it worth it to stick with a stock crank or to spend the extra money for a kit.

we run manley h beam's in our engine. i was very impressed with there quality and durability. we have put down 700+ to the tire with out setup.