Pros & cons of floating rod bearings?

I am rebuilding a 59 AB and after looking at SF flatheads' $200.00 crank and $125.00 rods. I have come to a delema to float or not to float . I am under the impression that you can't use the later rods on the early crank because of the oil holes

 

your right. sure is a LOT cheaper than having your old 59a stuff redone and then try to find rod bearings to fit....

 

Early or late rods can be used on late 2-hole cranks, early only on 1-holers

Floaters: tiny power benefits due to lowered friction, much safer against rod failure at high RPM...not really a street engine issue. Expensive, require extra time and thought at installation. Cooler and more sophisticated rods for the builder of means and taste.

Locked shells: Cheap, easy, a machinest who's young will be able to fit them properly.
The downsides are minute and probably irrelevant unless engine is to be run at higher R's than most flatheads will ever see. Perfectly adequate.

 

Thanks for the resonse Bruce . I found a later model crank localy and have had better luck w/ real Ford parts. I am not sure what make of crank SF Flatheads are selling .

 

had a guy read the book wrong years ago reconditioning a set of 351 Windsor rods..

the motor ran good but had low oil pressure at idle,pulled it apart and all 8 rod bearings had spun but looked good still.
he later admitted that he reamed them to fit a Cleveland.

only time I ever saw true "floater" rod bearings..lol

 

I've seen a good number of SBC floaters...they didn't make'em right, though. Stopped floating after only about half a rev...

 

Here's a thread I started awhile back asking similar questions....may be of some help for ya.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=215174&highlight=flathead