3500/4.3l rod combinations: need input

[Driver_10]

The question has been proposed before. The 3500 and 4.3l share similar rod diameters. The 4.3l has a wealth of high out-put components, the good part of which are aftermarket con-rods. Why not use a good set of 5.9in 4.3l rods (eagle I-beams, crower etc.) to do a bullit-proof 60* build with a 3500?

[TurboGTU]

Should be nice with the steel crank option. 4.3l pistons are plentiful in the aftermaket. Then having the large pin from the mouse motor is a plus. I would start looking at Dimond pistons or CP pistons.

[dohcfiend]

i posed this question a long time ago. the 4.3 rods are wider and there may not be enough material to remove to accommodate them.

this is speculation mind you and my application was trying to put it into an older engine. only way to know for sure is to have a professional inspect it.

If you do, keep us informed as the info would be invaluable IMO.

p.s. i am a dohc'er mostly, if you could, would you mind pming me with your updates if you decide to pursue it?

[Driver_10]

There would be a very small amount of resizing needed to use 90* rods in the 3500, but not so much as too compromise their structure. The exact specs of the rod bore diameter lies between 57.116-57.148 mm. (about 2.2487-2.2497 in.) for the 4.3l. This is only .001 or so different from the slightly larger bore 3500 type rods.