H-beam rods bushing

[1950split]

Hi guys,

I have a question for you. I bought a set of H-beam rods. What I noticed is that in the case of 3 of them, when assembling, there's a tight fit of the bolt bushings. However, the last one has a pretty loose fit, I can easily disassemble it with a light pull. 

I understand that the purpose of the bushings is to guide the 2 parts when they are getting bolted together. But does this "loose" fit affect reliability for an engine reving up to 8000rpm during drag racing events when the bolts are torqued properly with a stretch gauge and torque ?

Thanks for your input..

Phil

[so67vw]

What rod bolts are in them... Most of them come with a weak version of the ARP bolt (or even a copycat).... If that is what you have I wouldn't be put'n 8k down...

[1950split]

Thanks for your answer. The question was more about the bushings and their function than the bolts, in my case ARP 8740 3/8" ones.

[so67vw]

Does the cap move around??? I've never had one that didn't fit tight...

[Ohio Tom (DdK)]

That's a litte scary to me . For a high revving motor, I would worry about side movement at rpm.  Movement is sure to lead to failure.
I would use them in a mild motor only, or get them fixed.

[1950split]

Well, when the cap is in place, on both bushings, it doesn't move sideways at all. I just noticed that when pushed on the bushings, it is easier on that particular rod compared to the other ones. This is the reason for which I am hesitant.

Is it possible to get a single VW journal single H-beam rod somewhere ?

[mmccarthy]

You can replace the bolt sleeves. When I resized my Carillo rods I removed them and replaced the ones I damaged from removal.  Mike McCarthy

[1950split]

Carillo rods are worth the bushing replacement but Chinese DRD rods I'm not sure.. Machining rates are more expensive here around in Europe and it might cost me more than to buy a new set of 4..