Hey there,
I'm looking for a set of new connecting rods for a 1952 303cui motor.
any suggestions where I can find some or where I can get some manufactured?

Fusick and Kanter don't sell them anymore...

thanks in advance,
Kai

 

Kai,
My AERA engine builders software has a note that says Pontiac V-8 rods can be used. I did a quick check and it appears that the dimensions are the same. The only dimension I am not sure of is the piston pin diameter. Ill see what I can find out later today.

 

Kai,
I verified that Pontiac V-8 rods and bearings will work. An example would be rods for a 1969 Pontiac 400.

By the way what is wrong with your rods ?

 

Hi Bill.
thank you very much! What’s that software you were talking about? Is it available for sale?

mine were disassembled almost two years ago and I can’t figure out what clip (don’t know what it’s called) fits what rod…
as I’m tightening the connecting rods onto the crankshaft they’ll get stuck and don’t move anymore. Measurements are also within the tolerances, so I really don’t know what else to do anymore…

 

Kai,
The software is from the AERA www.aera.org I dont know if it is available to non members. It is really meant for machine shops. You should be able to match the caps to the rods. I will take a few pictures later this afternoon and show you how to do it. If thats all the problem is it will be an easy fix

 

Ok Kai,
Here goes. First thing you need to do is take the rods out of the engine and put them on a bench with real good light. Then take the bearings out of them.

Now, here are three pictures of the areas that you need to look at to match the caps with the rods. Start with one rod and try all of the caps until you get to one that matches. Then go to the next one etc.

I sometimes use a magnifying glass to look at these things but most of the time you can see them with the naked eye. Between these three clues you should be able to match the caps to the rods. Let us know how it goes You really should not have to replace the rods.

1. The first thing to look at is the chamfer at the parting line. This picture shows an obviously mismatched rod. Sometimes you dont even have to put the cap on the rod to see that it is not going to match.






The next thing to look at is the machining marks where the bearing sits. Look at them at the parting line and see if they match up from the cap to the rod.






Last is the machine marks on the "face" of the rod. Look at them where they cross the parting line and see if they match up.

 

Bill, thank you very much for that detailed explanation and the pictured directions
I checked the caps and the rods yesterday and it's not as hard as I thought.

The right caps slide right onto the rods and I could see all the markings match, also the inner passage is smooth.

I'm going to try the movement on the crank in the next couple days.
I'm optimistic it will all work out

Thanks again. I'll let you know if it worked

 

Glad to help !! Once you have done it a few times it is pretty easy I bet it will be fine now

 

Nice Job Bill, you’re always helpful..

 

Thanks, I try

 

Bill, I mounted the pistons today and it looks like everything works so far 😊
again thank you very much for your help!