Swapping Rods

[Spraynlog]

I need to tear down, and I'm thinking it would be a good time to swap in some better rods than the light weight ones in my '86 2.2 T1.

Can I swap in the '85 rods with no problems? I'm going to use new pistons anyway.

[R/T]

Yes.

:)

[mpgmike]

Other than the tall block '86-88 2.5 rods, all others are interchangeable.

Mike

[Directconnection]

T-II and all '89+ turbo rods are floating. The pistons would need to be modified for proper clearancing (install bushings) and the pistons needing grooves for locks as well.

[Spraynlog]

I was pretty sure the '85 rods would work OK after reading Gary D's and Mini Mopar websites. Thanks for the replys!

I'm using a "snap gauge" and an out side micrometer to check my bores. It looks like they are within .005 taper. I'll hone them and then
order up some standard bore Mahle press pin pistons.

Most of the wrecking yards here don't want to sell me just a set of rods. They want to sell the whole short block. I think I found an '85 short block for $45. I'll get the rods out of that.

Those LW rods look puny to me. They held up so far, I was probably close to 200 hp at the flywheel, but I don't want to trust them any further.

[R/T]

Word of caution:

I've taken apart 3 different 85 shortblocks only to find LW rods!! :yuck:

These motors are so old that many have been apart, never know what you'll find in there..... :confused:

On a positive note, the last one was from Serious Wood, went 14.11 in a 3000lb car, before that it was in a friend's Shelby Charger and ran 13.07 @ 107mph.

With LW rods.......;)