Sorry about the dumb question but...which way around do the rods go on the crank??

 

People have asked a lot of silly questions over the years. While it may feel silly it is a very important matter and one that is overlooked once in a while by a new engine builder. It is much better to ask than to destroy a new engine over a simple problem. On a small block chevy each rod journal on the crank carries two connecting rods. If you look at the big end of each connecting rod you will notice that one side has a bevel, or angled edge. The other side will be basically flat. Place the rods on the crank so that the beveled sides face outwards towards the crank. This leaves the flat side of one rod touching the flat side of its adjacent rod. You should also notice numbers stamped in to each rod. While not necessary it would be a good idea to put them in order, so that the #1 rod is the closest to the front of the engine and the #8 closest to the rear.

 

It is vary symple use put the side with the notches for the berrings to the outside and make shure the pistons are on the rods correctly.

 

Thanks a lot for the info you guys - I have searched through about 10 bloody Chev books and couldn't find that info in any of 'em!