CONNECTING ROD BRANDS

[lakesmodified]

OK GEAR HEADS a question for all. I know Hallett is in the process of rebuilding his 460 Ford, as well as a few others... Me too.. Anyways, been searching the net, eBay, etc for a source of BBF aftermarket RODS.. I have found out that Eagle and CAT rods are forged and machined in China!!! Has anyone here used them, and what are your thoughts? I've never been a proponent of Jap parts in my engines, but at over $1600 for a set of Carillo/Crower etc rods, I'm wondering if these rods are quality items. I've heard a few people on this board say that Eagle products were crap, as well as others say they've used them in blown BB engines approaching the 1000 HP mark.. What gives? Should I spend my money on a re-worked set of Ford Truck rods, or buy a set of these foreign jobs???
[This message has been edited by lakesmodified (edited May 23, 2002).]

[Infomaniac]

I have Eagles in mine. They had problems in the beginning. Since they have a good QC program. Each rod is x-ray tested. Just be sure to get the L-19 bolts.

[PE857]

I have a set of Eagle rods in my blown inj BBC drag motor, over 1000 hp and 1000 lb/ft torque, with over 100 passes. No problems, knock on wood, racing them again this season. If these would let go i would buy another set tomorrow.

[lakesmodified]

Great to hear positive feedback regarding the Eagle Rods.... I just cannot justify spending close to 2 grand for a set of rods.. Anyone hear about the CAT rods?
Here's their website:http://www.catpep.com/
I spoke with a Speed Shop in Nevada and the owner was telling me that the Eagle and CAT rods are actually one and the same?? They're supposedly forged/machined in the same plant. I'm just wondering if the Eagle rods are inspected to a higher degree (x-ray for instance) than the cheaper (but look identical) "CAT" rods?? They are both offered with the L19 bolts as an upgrade, and they both carry the same HP ratings.. By the way, thanks for your input. Anyone have a supplier of Eagle Rods at a better price? Ivan

[wsm9808]

I,ve sold several sets of the CATs through my shop and have had no negative feedback, and will be putting a set in my blown 454 that is going together next week. we like em so far.The prices on their web site is a little high. There is a guy on ebay selling them for 300.00(bbc), which is cheeper than our cost from the wholesale distibutor. We sale them @ 399.00
[This message has been edited by wsm9808 (edited May 23, 2002).]

[Infomaniac]

Originally posted by lakesmodified:
Great to hear positive feedback regarding the Eagle Rods.... I just cannot justify spending close to 2 grand for a set of rods.. Anyone hear about the CAT rods?
Here's their website:http://www.catpep.com/
I spoke with a Speed Shop in Nevada and the owner was telling me that the Eagle and CAT rods are actually one and the same?? They're supposedly forged/machined in the same plant. I'm just wondering if the Eagle rods are inspected to a higher degree (x-ray for instance) than the cheaper (but look identical) "CAT" rods?? They are both offered with the L19 bolts as an upgrade, and they both carry the same HP ratings.. By the way, thanks for your input. Anyone have a supplier of Eagle Rods at a better price? Ivan
I bought a set of CAT from Doug Herbert. (They were the Herbert Brand) Bought my Eagles from a guy on e-bay. They come from the same source. The difference is as I described before. Eagle x-ray's each one of them. Cat passes them on as is. Most folks that sell "H" beam rods get them from CAT. The price tells you which ones. I did not have any problems with the CAT rods.
[This message has been edited by Infomaniac (edited May 23, 2002).]

[058]

I run a set of the Eagle 6.800" rods [BBC journal size] in a 514" BBF....No problem whatsoever. Alot better than the CJ/Truck rod even with the ARP/SPS bolts. Run Crower steel rods in the other 460.

[lakesmodified]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by wsm9808:
[B]I,ve sold several sets of the CATs through my shop and have had no negative feedback, and will be putting a set in my blown 454 that is going together next week. we like em so far.The prices on their web site is a little high. There is a guy on ebay selling them for 300.00(bbc), which is cheeper than our cost from the wholesale distibutor. We sale them @ 399.00
WSM, so you haven't heard anything negative about these CAT rods, are they manufactured by the same plant as the Eagle (like I thought) but without the
x-ray inspection? What's the difference in price with the L-19 cap bolts? Thanks again for all the feedback.... Like I said earlier, $1800 for set of Carillo isn't an option. Ivan

[lakesmodified]

058, how long has your 514 BBF been together? So the way I understand it, these rods are much stronger than the SCJ and Truck Ford rods? Ivan

[lakesmodified]

OK, after additional exhaustive research, I've found out that Lunati BBF "H" beam rods p/n LQZI are ALSO manufactured by the same plant that manufactures the CAT rods!!!! The Lunati set sells from retailers for as much as $737/set, or you can get them directly from Lunati in Memphis, TN(4 miles away from where I work at Memphis International Airport) for $530/set!!! I spoke with a tech guy at Lunati and he's the one that informed me about Lunati's H-beam origin... Also from China, according to him, same people that manufacture the Eagles, Cat, Lunati... HMMMMM

[obnoxious001]

I think you will find that there are several stories, but that actually there are several Chinese plants that closely copy each other in the manufacture of high performance parts, connecting rods included. I have assembled engines with Carrillo, Oliver,Lunati, Crower, Eagle, Cat and other rods. The Eagle and the Cat, although very similar are definately not identical, the machining marks are different. I have compared them side by side. The Eagle parts tend to have a nicer, better finished look, including their crankshafts, than the Cat. I have had fine success so far with Cat parts, and the balance shop that I use in Southern California that has catered to all of the best engine builders in the area for many years says the Cat tolerences are tighter. My advice using any of hte more budget parts would be to either measure and inspect them closely, or if you have not got the tools or experience to do so, have your machine shop check them closely. The supplier I buy from sends them out for inspection before they sell them to anyone.
Barry

[058]

To Lakesmodified and anyone else who is interested, In my humble opinion I think any aftermarket rod is better than a stock rod if for nothing else the material used. You cannot compare mild steel [SAE 1040] to SAE C.M. 4140 or 4340 steel. Even if the C.M. rods were lighter and look skinnier than the stock rods just due to material they will be stronger. If for nothing else a new rod has not had the stress cycles in it the used rod has just by being used. When in doubt replace with new.