Yes, the main reason is cost, but secondary reasons are weight and rod
length. What is the current cost of a billet crank and Carillos -
$3500? The total cost for rods and crank (welding, grinding and
nitriding) for my engine was about $700. uncle jack worked out a cheap
kit for the conversion, but I think he decided there was not sufficient
interest. He had the price down under $500.
Low oil pressure was initially a concern, but there is now plenty of
evidence to discount this worry.
There are two ways to center the rod - using spacers on the wrist pin or
by modifying the crank. I chose to modify the crank by welding a bead
on the edges of the crankpin. Both methods work. The spacer method is
simpler.
If you are considering a billet crank and Carillos, why not have the
crank made for a different rod? Moldex told me there would be no
additional cost.
Larry Young
> the though of narrower rods at the big end region worries me.
>
> I run an engine shop, and know from bitter experience, that excessive side
> clearance at the big end, is a major source of engine rattles and loss of
> oil pressure. most rods have a limit of about 0.005"-0.008" and in our race
> engines, we run them down as low as we can get.
>
> there are plenty of custom made rods for TR engines, so why would one bother
> with an concept that has an intrinsic design flaw?
>
> Terry O'Beirne
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