Rods???

[chaosandspeed.com]

I am trying to get an idea of what rods I should put in a cad 500 engine, cuz its gonna need them I believe. Here's the scoop: I have been working on and helping to tune cutlasschic500's car. When I first heard it run I thought I heard a rapping in the lower end but couldn't be sure cause the valves were still seating so there was a lot of rocker tapping, so I was hoping it was just detonation as the timing was off by 4 degrees. Well we kept tuning I tweaked the carb readjusted the timing did an oil change (which I saw some metal flake) and then we checked the oil pressure with 20w50 in it cold pressure was 40-45 but when hot it dropped to 13-15. We then went for a test ride leaving my pressure tester attached so we could get an accurate reading. while at idle with the car in drive the pressure went to 5-7 (not good) and the noise became very apparent............... "Rod knock" So we asked the guy that origanally helped her build the engine and he said that there might have bees a rod or two that wasn't exactly true. So now I'm looking for some new rods and I was wondering what a descent set would go for and where to get them I can get them from PAW but I would like some feedback asap since I want to have this beautiful beast up and running within 2 weeks.Thanks in advance as I hope to recieve some excellent input.

[k10caddy]

is she going to want stock or forged rods?
if removing pistons from press-fit rods, I've heard the piston is (usually) unusable after.
anyway I'd recommend going the forged route $500->$850, new.
or a set of used from Al for $100
http://users.elknet.net/mts/page19.html

what about just a set of new bearings?

[lux hauler]

In an engine that is mild or less, anything other than stock is way overkill. A set of stock rods checked and prep'd by a reputable shop will be fine. I'm sure you can find a set.....probably cheap....right here. MTS should have them too.

[~JM~]

Here's a 4sale post from another board...

Does she have 120cc heads or 76cc heads?

I have a set of brand new pistons/rods from P----r. These are olds rods w/ arp bolts and Kb382 pistons. The pistons are 40 over. The whole setup was bought with every intention of using but I got sidetracked ...Now I'm forced to sell them. Brand new this setup from him would cost ya a lil over $700 . I'll let it go for 500. I take paypal the addy is [email protected]. The Location is Sumerduck, VA 22742 if you are local. Once again, I hate to sell but new found duties prevail, and it looks like I'm gonna have to give up some of my stuff

The rods
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v671/jeepaholik2/DSC00456.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v671/jeepaholik2/DSC00457.jpg
The pistons
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v671/jeepaholik2/DSC00459.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v671/jeepaholik2/DSC00461.jpg
The reciept
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v671/jeepaholik2/DSC00463.jpg

[STDog]

then we checked the oil pressure with 20w50 in it cold pressure was 40-45 but when hot it dropped to 13-15. We then went for a test ride leaving my pressure tester attached so we could get an accurate reading. while at idle with the car in drive the pressure went to 5-7 (not good) and the noise became very apparent............... "Rod knock"

I see oil problems too. 5w50 (full synthetic). Startup is ~25, but warm it drop tos the same ~15, and the same 5-7 in drive issue.

Can somone here point me to/ priovide audio files of the different sounds?
How to tell too much main clearance, too much rod clearance, bad rod, bad pin?

What I hear is a low pitch, kind of thud like.

I'm with everyone else, get stock rods. Like the $100 set from MTS, unless you're really (going to be) pushing the engine. Here's (http://forums.500cid.com/viewtopic.php?t=75) a thread that mentioned it, including a comment for Al himself.

[chaosandspeed.com]

The input is very helpful and I will make my decision soon.Basically it will be used for cruising but every once in a while it will be pushed a bit. so I will probrably go with stock rods. Once again thank you.