FYI for anybody rebuilding their 3.8....

[Guardsman]

I called Thrasher Performance, and asked one of their tech if a 3800 Series III bottom end would bolt up to Series II heads, etc., and he said no, their were some oil and bolt hole changes....

Second, I asked about using the guts (crank, rods, pistons, etc.) from the Series III in a Series II, and he said that I would be better off sticking with the Series II parts....he said that he has several broken Series III rods there...apparently, they are brittle, as a result of being harder, and will break relatively easily.

So, something to consider.

[Nachius]

I'd like to see definite info on this I have L67 rods sitting at home I was going to sell and use the series 3 L32 rods, but if that is the case I may stick with the L67s.

[ellik]

the L32 rods are what Intense-Racing use in their race prepped short block.

[img]graemlins/stickpoke.gif[/img] somthing to think about.

[snatch]

How many people actually run the Intense block?
Shane

[ellik]

I havent heard of anyone in a RWD application.... yet. Im planning a turbo kit of one type or another this spring/ summer followed by Intense Stage III heads and cams and then their block. Unfortunately it will be '06 before I get to the short block.

[1998silverbird]

Forged Rods are Brittle!! Right!!

[Nachius]

Originally posted by 1998silverbird:
Forged Rods are Brittle!! Right!!

The way I was thinking is if our rods were to flex a fraction would the L32 rods give a tad or just break due to the fact they are forged?

I can see the arguement, but I don't think that the L67 rods could take anything near the L32 rods. Just wondered if there is possibly a defect not discovered yet!

L32s are supposed to be 20% stronger and 1% lighter!

[AZ3.8Camaro]

The can probably just withstand more bending moment than they can sheer stress. (Tendancy to break rather than bend) -> Both of which are probably higher than an L67 rod.

[Guardsman]

What they're talking about, is, yes, the rods are stronger, however, they are also harder. Harder means more brittle.

And, it's not a matter of whether the rods are forged or not. It's the type of steel that they use. Using the powdered steel allows them to get a denser, harder rod, and a higher breaking strength.

But, the rod being harder is a trade-off for the strength.

For daily driver that isn't run really hard, I'm sure there would be no issue with them.

However, if you're planning on running boost and/or nitrous, or otherwise putting a lot of stress on the engine, you may want to reconsider.

So, the L32 rods may be able to withstand more force, however, when their breaking point is exceeded, they don't bend or deform, they simply break.

Think of an aluminum boat and a fiberglass boat...the hulls of both boats are just as strong.

However, if you run the aluminum boat into a rock, when the strength of the aluminum is exceeded, the aluminum bends, and you have a dent in the hull.

Run the fiberglass boat into the same rock, and when the strength of the fiberglass is exceeded, the fiberglass shatters, and you have a hole in the hull.

Same basic concepts with the rods. Too much punch on the piston, and the softer rod will bend or otherwise deform, the harder rod will simply snap.

[ November 19, 2004, 01:10 PM: Message edited by: Guardsman ]

[Turbo V6 Camaro]

the L32 rod WILL fit in our L36, ASA LONG AS you use the L67 style pistons (they have a different kind of wrist pin)

i know this is fact cause i have 500 miles on my motor with the L32 rods

[Turbo V6 Camaro]

Originally posted by Nachius:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by 1998silverbird:
Forged Rods are Brittle!! Right!!

The way I was thinking is if our rods were to flex a fraction would the L32 rods give a tad or just break due to the fact they are forged?

I can see the arguement, but I don't think that the L67 rods could take anything near the L32 rods. Just wondered if there is possibly a defect not discovered yet!

L32s are supposed to be 20% stronger and 1% lighter! </font>[/QUOTE]the most load on the rod is during the exuast stoke when a the vaules are open and there nothing pushing against the piston to slow it down....... this shreches the rod and this is were it gets defromed....... Crocky bell's book is were i got this info from

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Bend or break, they are still done for.
I would rather have something that is stonger, but fails completely when its limits are exceeded, than something that fails easier, but not as much.

[1998silverbird]

Inense has there 700 rwhp GTP that is built for Drag racing using the L32 rods.. IT is made for racing.. Its making over 800 at the crank..

[Turbo V6 Camaro]

Originally posted by 1998silverbird:
Inense has there 700 rwhp GTP that is built for Drag racing using the L32 rods.. IT is made for racing.. Its making over 800 at the crank..

since when???? its not on there site

[98Camaro3.8]

Originally posted by viper04af:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by 1998silverbird:
Inense has there 700 rwhp GTP that is built for Drag racing using the L32 rods.. IT is made for racing.. Its making over 800 at the crank..

since when???? its not on there site
</font>[/QUOTE]Actually, it is on their site. Click on Turbo Project on their menu. ;)

[ November 19, 2004, 07:28 PM: Message edited by: 98Camaro3.8 ]