Anybody used the Factory Chevrolet 12495071 rods?

[dirtman45]

I was wondering if anyone else has used new, right out of the box, factory chevrolet 12495071 rods in a street stock engine? I've heard different stories on how they are good/bad. I've heard you can use them just the way you get them, same rod bolts and all.

These are the powder metal type rods.

[dirtman45]

Anyone try these right out of the box, untouched?

[DaveBauerSS6]

The only experience I have with these is a freshen up. Two partial seasons in a 4412/360 hp/ at 6400 max/ never hot motor. Rod bearings looked great, big end sized good. Resized with ARP bolts and it has another partial season no problems.

[dirtman45]

Thanks for the response. I've heard to resize them when they are still new and add ARP bolts, but I've heard two guys tell me they ran them just the way they came.

Just looking for input on this.

Thanks again.

[dynoman14]

That is the same rod run in the GM 602,603.604 and there are a lot of them out there running for the last 5+ years now. I know racers that have been running the same crate 3-4 years without problems, I am pretty sure they stay below 6600 range.

Recommendations are for use below 500hp. I have run them with good success up to and above 500hp but they were new. In applications where they are worked pretty good I put them out to pasture after 1 season or 1000 laps whichever comes first.

I have bought just about every rod bolt and nut I can find as they have been discontinued, I think I might have gotten 15 sets max after a couple days on the phone. We have to run stock bolts in Fastrak so I rounded up as many as possible. I have seen the rods with ARP's in them but the materials are not the greatest match as far as grip strength of the bolt VS pressure capacity of the rod materials...meaning the ARP bolts may be too strong for the rod materials.

CT525's have seen power levels over 600 and they have an LS Style PM rod in them. They are unique to the LS rod journal and length so they are not direct SBC bolt ins.

[dirtman45]

Dynoman.... Thanks for that information. I hadn't even thought about them being in the crate motors. I guess the new ones then should be plenty good for under 400hp motors like we run.

[lilsumo]

Unless the rules make you run them, there are better rods for that kind of money if you are buying new.

Just my opinion

[dirtman45]

Rules say a factory rod so we are stuck with them or the older style.