Rod bolt upgrade

Hi all.
If I wanted to install 3/8 bolts in some 289/302 rods can I just drill them out to suit? Are there any casting differences between the hipo rods which have the larger bolts?

Thanks

Originally Posted by 4Lowie

Hi all.
If I wanted to install 3/8 bolts in some 289/302 rods can I just drill them out to suit? Are there any casting differences between the hipo rods which have the larger bolts?

Thanks

No, it is not that simple. There really isn't enough meat to do this with stock rods AND this isn't something that you do at home.

ARP makes some nice rod bolts in standard size that will work just great.

A machinist is needed to modify the rod ends. Even the simple operation of swapping the bolts can lead to cap mis-alignment and rod failure. When the new bolts are being installed, the machinist will to cut some material off the cap and rehone the big end of the rod to make it round again.

By the time you buy the bolts and have them installed properly, you can buy a new set of rods through the aftermarket that will cost about the same and be superior in strength.