Hey Guys,

A few posts have indicated the need to upgrade connecting rods in the 350z when going FI. As you know, I am planning to go with an HKS setup (which also recommends upgraded C-Rods). My question to you, the 350z elite tuners, is what are YOUR recommendations for the best connecting rod?

 

you dont need upgraded rods with only 7lbs of boost

 

I would never even worry about the rods below 400rwhp in a properly tuned 350z.

Have fun boosting.

 

HKS recommends connecting rods only if you are going to seriously track your car with the SC. Like all product manufacturers, they have to build in some safety recommendations to cover their ***. The HKS produces about 320whp which is well within the tolerances of the stock rods. In any case, if you are going through the trouble of upgrading connecting rods, why not go with the APS TT? The HKS was designed as a complete and safe street system to be used with all other components remaining stock. Within those limitations it is as good as you will get. I seriously would not worry about connecting rods with this set-up.

 

i got some rods and pistons for sale if you need em. good price.

 

You don't need rods at 320. But pauter makes some killer rods for the Z.

 

Yeah, we did a big group buy on Pauter Rods...good stuff. I agree that with the basic HKS kit, it's doubtful you'll need new con rods, especially give the linear nature of most SC's. With the TT's it's a good idea to change out rods, becuase the trq hits incredibly low in the power band.

Phunk was able to tune his car with HKS Pro F-CON to over 450whp on the stock internals, but opinions differ on the longetivity of high boost on the TT kits. Several memebers have snapped rods at very modest boost pressures...well under 400whp and purportedly, proper tuning. So who really knows at this point.

That said, to my knowledge, nobody has snapped rods with any SC kits. They have blown rings, and burned pistons...but the rods seem to be holding up fine for the SC.

If you are set on getting rods...contact me...I am a prefered vendor now with Pauter.

 

hmm ,I wouldnt get pautoer, they are actually heavier than stock


what companies make lightr than stock forged?

 

You dont necessarily want lighter when you go forced induction. Strength is the most important factor...rather than weight. If you look at the skinny wimpy stock rods, there is no way you'll get a stronger rod without additional weight. Pauter and others are using the strongest 4340 chromoly steel to make their rods, and that is the recommended material for F/I. When my rods arrive, I'll photograph them side by side, and you'll know what I mean.

Pauter makes a lighter weight rod, but its only recommending for non F/I and higher reving applications.

 

Oh, and if you MUST have lightness with strength...then Pauter makes a titanium forged rod...for a mere $800.....PER ROD. wow..that's like $4800 for the set!

 

gq yu got PM...

 

We took a picture of the stock rods next to some pauter rods. I'll have to post a picture of them tomorrow. They are like 3 1/2 times the width of the stock rods, beefy f*ckers.

 

Holy cow...wow! can't wait to see those pics.

 

I'll get them online by tomorrow afternoon. These pics put things into perspective. On another note, we fired up a fully built 350Z motor tonight. Started on the first shot

 

ravaz....are the pics still coming?

 

Yes, Pics with a comparison to the stock rods, Please!

 

Sorry guys. I would have uploaded them yesterday but the board was hosed up. Anyway, here are the pics. I lied,they are like twice the width or so of the stock rods and alot heavier...

Stock rods/pistons vs Pauter rods/CP Pistons:









Threw in the last 2 for the hell of it... Enjoy.

 

Damn....they look incredibly beefier than stock. Very nice...can't wait till ours arrive.

 

Now that PM I sent looks more and more definite doesn't it...

 

Absolutely. I'd be surprise if the stock rods hold up at even 7psi for 30,000 miles. Metal will fatigue over time...and those things are puny.