I'm trying to order parts for my new block but I'm debating on weather or not to re-use the stock pistons and rods I have laying around. The block is casting number 10243880. It is the vortec block that is provisioned for a roller cam. However in the application it came in from the factory it did not have vortec heads and was using a factory cam. The block only had a few thousand miles on it so I sent it to the machine shop to check the bores, all turned out good only .002 fom light wear. My question is this, I'm trying to get 400-450hp out of this motor with my PP heads. I'm probly going to get some flat top pistons to replace the stock dish (anyone know stock cc on these and weather there cast or hyper?), however I have no clue how good the stock rods are? Obviously I'd get new rod bolts but how good are the rods themselves?

 

could be wrong, but think they may be powderd metal.

 

they should be powedered metal rods, they should be just fine for your power goals, but i would take them to the machine shop and have them check out, and probaly put ARP bolts in them

 

I was thinking they were powderd metal as well but not sure. If they are whats an approx rpm limit for them? With my heads I'd like to spin the motor to around 6500rpm.

Also I think I just found out the pistons are probly 16-18cc dish so their def getting tossed.

 

I just read an article about the tesile strength, or rpm strength of rods but I cant remember what magazine it was in. Must have been super chevy or camaro performers, or chevy high performance. You might be able to find the article on one of there websites, I dont know if that will help any though. I know it depends on the weight of the pistons, obvioulsy the lighter the pistons, the higher rpms they can handle. Youll definetly want ARP bolts though, and have them checked like1986 said, posibly have them resized.

 

eh. after shelling out 60 for arp bolts, whatever the shop charges to inspect them, and possibly have to pay to have them resized guess ill just go with brand new eagles for $235 that should hold just fine.