what are the advantages of having bushed rods vs. pressed? is it only the advantage of assembly/disassembly? is it more even wear on the pin? better oiling? does it really matter if I am building for street use?

 

If you don't plan on tearing the engine down every couple of years then pressed pin is fine. I tear mine down every winter and floating pin makes taking everything apart so much easier. If I need a new piston or con rod, it makes changes a lot easier. Floating pin also reduces the chance of a piston binding in the cylinder by allowing the pin to float in the con rod and in the piston. Pressed pin only float in the piston. Pulling everything apart also allows you to inspect the con rods and pistons easier for any wear.

For a engine that will see high mileage and little to no chance of frequent rebuilds, go with pressed pin. If you're not comfortable in heating up the con rods and pressing the pins in, have a machine shop do it. There's less chance of damaging a piston if you have the proper tools to do it.

Floating pin, once everything has been balanced, only needs a small screwdriver to get the lock rings in. Anyone can put the parts together. Downside is that every time I remove lock rings, they must be replaced. My pistons use spiral locks. 2 on each side of the pin.

 

what if you're just gonna put it together and run it? high-mileage? will bushed rods hold up with the longevity like press-in pins?

 

bushed is more for competition engines, or engines that see frequent rebuilds. you don't need them for extended milage

 

yes, but if they come in a stroker kit i'm buying, would they last? or should i try and get pressed-in rods for this 383 i'm building?

 

several machinists i have talked to have seen the spirolocks go 60k plus HARD miles and are still in service!i can't say the same about the old spring clip style floating pin locks.
same with the 6" rod short skirt pistons believe it or not!
Eric

 

that's what i wanted to know. full-floaters it is.

 

My cousin has a 390 FE (ford) engine we tore apart not long ago... it had a rediculous amount of miles on it, with floating pins, and there was nothing wrong with them. They made taking the pistons off the rods MUCH easier too, obviously, since the pins are held in by C-clips.

 

see there?
even fords live on em!
where you at in georgia?i was just in s.c. on vacation and had the warmest travellers greeting i have ever recieved!you southern gents are allright!
Eric

 

I'm in Lawrenceville, GA. about an hr south of SC. in northeast ga. not too far from the Atlanta dragway, if you know where that is.

thanks for the compliment. I tip my hat to you sir, and wish you a safe passage in your f-body.