Welding pinch slot on 320 rods

[saltracer]

Even though I have never had an issue with the "pinch type" rod end on the rods..........I am thinking of welding this slit closed and installing a floating pin.

I am going up to 13:1 with new pistons and this seems like it would be a week point.

Thinking I need to remove the bolt, weld up the rod, and make new pins (without the notch for the bolt)

Looking for anyones thoughts or experience on this, and what do I need to do to the rod after welding on it.

Thanks...........you guys are great !

ps...Happy new year, I have been out of country and am just catching up

 

[ol' yaller]

why would you want to do that? stock rods will last forever even with 400 plus horsepower. welding the slot will absolutely lead to rod failure.
with 13 to 1 compression you will break a lot of main caps and eventually the crank but the rods will still be good enough to use in your next engine.

 

[GS455_65]

320 rod

Agree with oldyalla, any welding of rod will more than likely promote failure.

what are the rod dimensions ?

Length, journal size and pin size.

If you want to go to 13:1 you will probably need to make a girdle for the mains.

 

[Jyrki]

I think Duke (G. Hamann) said the notched wristpin is a weak link, and they always converted to floating pins by filling the gap with a piece of steel, and welding the seam, then relieving the rods in an oven. They revved the dragster up to 7000 rpm :thumbsup:

Then I think it was 36 Century who described they are basically doing the same, but without welding. Just fabricate a piece of steel with a snug fit, torgue the pinch bolt to spec, and ream the bore to accept a bushing.

I don't want to put the words in anyone's mouth, but I think these two gentlemen have been offline for a long time now. :sad:

 

[39CENT]

these guys have tons of experience with Buick straight 8,s, both racing and stock.