I was talking with my machine shop guy today about my engine.
I am using a 96 Vortec shortblock, and he said it has composite
rods. He said they are forged from metal shavings and are
supposed to far stronger than conventional rods.

Is he full of it or are they really stronger than standard rods?

The track is open in Scribner and I am going to try and get out
there this weekend to get some times on the old Jag.

 

Never heard anything like that Myself, But that dosent really mean anything...

Be interesting to see what the sled runs, Im still skeptical about the 13.x

 

They are called Powdered Metal Rods and they are supposed to be very strong.

 

Supposed to be stronger. I'm still a little leery of pressboard-style connecting rods. I think the only decent thing they do on those types of rods (not sure if GM does it) is cracking the big end at a pre-designed failure point rather than machining it apart, thats probably something that does work.

 

The 13.x was with a G-Tec. I have had 13 second cars before and
this don't feel like a 13 second car. Although you don't get the
sense that you are moving in this thing. At 140 mph + with the
speedo burried and still gaining you would swear you were not
going over 100 mph. The faster it goes the smooter it rides.
There is actually a factory sticker on the door telling you what tire
pressure to use for sustained speeds of over 100 mph.