I replaced the stock rods on a 455 with Eagle H-beam rods. There is nice bearing clearance (around 0.0015) but the one rod that I installed only has about 0.020 clearance (all measurements are inches) to the bottom of the cylinder (when rotating the crank).

It's just casting and I can easily remove some of it. Does anyone know what the minimum clearance should be to allow for some crankshaft deflection (which I'm sure there is at 5,500 rpm)?

Thanks,
Chris

 

Just take an 8" tie wrap and if it will fit between the rod and the block you're good to go.

 

An 8" tie wrap wouldn't fit--a 0.020" feeler gauge is tight. I bought a die grinder and will be removing enough to make at least 0.060" clearance (probably about the thickness of that tie wrap).

Oh, I can't wait....

 

I removed the piston (only one was installed) and crank, used a die grinder on the lower cylinders (used a T-square and set it to measure progress from the deck) and, while I was at it, opened the oil returns between the lifters.

The block got a good washing, blowing off, and drying. I'll set the crank and start installing the pistons tomorrow.