I've got two sets of Howard's vintage Aluminum SBC rods I was told there cast which seems very hard to believe Machine shop that built the motor refused to use them so I ended up with a new set of eagle H-beams [emoji53] I'd love to rebuild the original motor that was in my 39 g***er from the 60s again still have the arias speed master pistons steel 283 crank and of course the Howard's aluminum rods
Hard to believe the rods are cast construction. Unless they are polished there should be evidence of either a casting mold line or forging edge. Almost all Aluminum alloys that are made for castings are way too weak to be used for a high stress part like a connecting rod. Years ago when I was in the Navy and saving the World from the Commies there was a test procedure for checking alloy parts for cracks. If my mind still works it was called Zyglo and after dipping the parts in a dye solution they was looked at under a blacklight and the grain structure and any crack would show. Check with any testing facility in your area and ask if they can check your rods. If they are cast or forged the grain lines will show up immediately.
I used Aluminum rods in race motors for year. They definately have a life cycle. But they make good parts for awards or trophys, steering column holders, toliet paper holders, ect .The good thing is because they are softer than the block they may not do as much damage as a steel rod when they come apart.
Listen to Joecool, don't use that old junk in anything you are spending good money on or you may end up with a traditional hole in the side of your block. I really like the Toilet Paper Holder idea Joe!
If your engine guy believes that Howards Alu rods are/were cast, I would not let him near the build. I did get a set of Howards once that were gl*** beaded and had the apperance of being cast, but ALL Howards rods for the SBC were forged 7075 t6 material.I know this because I know the family and have done machining for them when their equip went down and waiting for parts Yes there is a percived life on alu rods and have had people tell me they change them every 20 p***es- well that only makes me want get into the rod business and make a fortune. Rod cycle mostly depends on the bolt threads and side clearence. Once the go-no go gauge feels wrong then the rod is done and without enough side clearence the cooling oil does not flow and pull the heat out of the big end. New rods should be run first and then pulled to be re-sized and you will have a long lasting rod, If you do not, dont expect much If the rods are old new stock, use them. New to you old used rods should never be used as you do not know the history of abuse. Big show nitro teams change out the rods every p*** because its quicker to do verses inspecting the part between rounds, and the rod that they put back in may already have a couple p***es on it. Back at the shop they check for stretch and roundness of both ends along with the threads, if it p***es it goes back on the rack for more 4 second abuse
I've owned both sets of rods since new in the late 60s one set was never used the other set was in the 39 g***er I'm putting back together motor wasn't run very much
Dye testing is still done. We used to dye test lots of stuff when I was still at the newspaper. The head machinist called it poor man's magnaflux. Zyglo even makes dye testing equipment for the refrigeration industry. Its not expensive to buy for either situation.
They were NOT cast. The Johansson family was much smarter than that..! I used both their rods and roller cam in my old Pro Gas Anglia (small Chevy) in the late 70 thru late 80's without problem. Ran 8000/8300rpm regularly. Mike
I'll take some pictures of them I've also got a set of arias speed master Pistons I'd like to reuse I'll take pictures of them also
See the Alcoa [upside down]? That means forged and alcoa forged for a lot of different companys, very high percentage..I not sure about the 2014 after it; there is a 2000 series aluminum but don't remember strength.
I guess my question is why would you want to run them? The only persons that is going to know that they are in there is you and your engine builder unless you like to brag about having them in the engine. Otherwise, you could use any rod and no one will know the difference. Seems to me they make a better conversation piece as a display in your shop than being used. Just my thoughts...
I am looking for an early set of Howard rods for a restoration build of a 301 engine! Do you want to sell a set? Contact me at craiger13@juno.com Thank you!
Kinda looks like that piston did't fit the contour of the combustion chamber very well, OR there was ROD STRETCH that pushed the piston "higher", or ROD TWIST. Any others look similar? I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
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