I have been reading that the old time guys use to polish the rods to save weight, but I thought there was more to it than that? I was thinking about doing it, but want to know what needs to be done and why I would be doing it.

Thanks

 

I think polishing the rods helps prevent spider cracking through prolonged use. I guess.. or something to that effect. The rods were polished on my motor when it was rebuilt because it had some slightly surface rust on it.

My girlfriend polishes my rod....

sorry.. haha, just had to go there, it sounded funny. :lala: :lala: :lala: :lala: :lala: :lala: :lala: :lala: :lala:

 

They are talking about polishing the beams of the rod, it takes off the forging line on the side of the rod,and a little weight, it also removes any little imperfections where a crack could start. I do it to all the stock rods I have ever reused.

 

Precisely. The forging or casting parting lines can create stress risers (areas of concentrated stress) that will ultimately fail unders severe loads. Polishing them off and flush reduces this tendency.

 

Also makes them shed oil better.

But the removal of possible stress concentrations on the surface is the main thing.

 

Building the 383 that you can see in my sig. Is it worth it for me to get those rods done for a car that will never see above 5500 rpm?

It sounds like the best way to go and will go ahead and have it done, just wondering about what point it is needed on forged rods.

James