Con rod query

[Tony Betts]

They are made for pressure fed engines initially, so undrilled.

If you want to fit them to splash engines, then drill the holes.

Hi Tony,

have you done this modification to Pheonix rods yourself and, if so, how and what exactly did you do please?

Hi R,

Never had to do it, I'm like you. I'd use 1 5/16 with GOOD GOOD GOOD austin rods. I think even if I wanted to go racing, INITIALLY I'd go the same way.

The must have for useing new rods happend around 10 years ago, it happend because the supply of GOOD original rods were running out.

I have NO problem with original 1 1/2 rods, but as Robert points out. They have to be in GOOD condition.

If I was to build the next engine with 1 1/2. It would be pressure fed with HADLEY rods.

Pheonix rods as I say are fine, but they are a modern version of the original. ie made to fit sports engines. If fitting them to standard crankcasses they at least come to close to the sides, and even hit on some crankcasses. And the already thin case has to be ground away.

The HADLEY rods were developed to get around this problem amongst others. 

A renault rod is cut on a 43 degree angle on the big end, and almost gives enough Clarence.

So the HADLEY rod was cut on a 45 degree angle, and gives enough clearance.

Rather than rushing the Hadley to market to beat the rest, they were held back to sort other big end and small end problems others were getting on crankcase Clarence, and being able to use all types of Pistons, without having to make mods to the rods first.

Tony.