I had a long discussion the other day with a gentleman and he questioned if the Powerstroke uses "Powder Metal" or "Forged Steel" connecting rods.

I was told that if in fact the Powder Metal Rods are used, any additional hp/torque other than stock would be most detrimental to the health of the motor?

Anyone out there have an idea?

Don

 

Up till the 2000 model year they were all forged.....even some 2001 models got the forged rods.

From then on they have gone to powdered metal rods. They have been known to fail in some higher hp applications. Most of the aftermarket shops I've talked to say that the rods are good to around 400 hp but to be very careful that the mods don't create too high of cylinder pressures either. Propane and Nitrous aren't a real good idea with the powdered metal rods.

So, people with the '01 and newer trucks that have the powdered metal rods swap out to forged or billet rods if they plan on making some serious power.



Hope this helps.

 

DCSpecial

I was told that if in fact the Powder Metal Rods are used, any additional hp/torque 20-30% more than stock would be most detrimental to the health of the motor and quite possibly throw rods?

I like the suggestion on the billet rods but isn't that overkill? Just how strong are the forged?

The big question I'm running against now is how much or to what point do you say stop with the modifications with out going deep in extensive internal engine upgrades? I have thought about O ringing the heads before stage II injectors and propane, but just heard of the rod limitations and has caused me much concern.

Do I pull the bottom end and replace the rods or just buy a pre 00' motor and build over time? I'm looking for to top at 500HP?

The engine is in an Excursion that weights 9300lbs stock and that is a lot of weight for the powerstroke to propel....

Don

 

There is a lot of debate as to how much horsepower the PM rods can handle. Internal cylinder pressures seem to have a lot to do with it also. So, you don't want a chip with injector timing that's too aggressive and a hot chip and a lot of propane will most likely lead to problems.

The forged are pretty strong. A buddy of mine put forged in his '02 and recently put his truck on the dyno and made 595 rwhp.

The billet rods I know of are guarenteed to 1000hp.

DPS used to be able to get forged rods but their supplier ran out and another supplier would be about $1000.00 for a set of forged while the billet are going to be around $1800.00 last I heard, so for the price it made more sense to go with the billet.

From what I've read and talking to Ken at DPS o-ringing the block woud be the better way to go. And since you pull the block to o-ring it, it's the perfect time to swap out rods.

If you could find a good deal on a late '99 or '00 motor that runs, is in good shape, and doesn't have a whole lot of miles you could go that route.

There are also shops, like DPS, that have talked about basically selling motors already done with all their high performance upgrades so that you just have to swap motors.

Right now, the 550+ rwhp isn't with a whole lot of mods.
Big injectors, aftermarket turbo, custom chip, IDM mod, 4" DP and 5" back, o-ring, copper head gaskets, head studs, upgraded fuel system, intake, and water/methanol injection.

I had a chance to see DPS's water/methanol injection system run on a old 6.9 diesel and was good for 49 rwhp on the rollers.

I see you're on TDS as well..........tons of PSD info over there.


Hope this helps.

 

I did see a complete engine that someone ran out of time with and he had been real busy with the mods.

He was looking for $3500 without turbo that I thought was a steal with the work he did. I was thinking of getting it and outfitting it in my garage with a new 4R100 and see if I could get a "twin" turbo setup working. I guess in due time.

So I guess at the 392hp and 760 ft lbs @ current dyno means I should stop for now.

I see you have been supporting ye old Ford well. Strong follower... Do you own all them trucks now.

Where did you get that awsome hood?

Pic of my "X".

http://www.superford.org/getfile.php...e=DSC05809.JPG

Don

 

Click Here to see where I bought the hood from. I don't think it's on their website, so you'd have to call. Back in '01 when I bought it they were the cheapest out of all the places that I called.


$3500 for a forged rod motor in good shape seems pretty good to me.

Different dynos tend to vary with their readings.......sometimes a lot. The most I've seen beyond what you have on a truck with the PM rods would be an aftermarket turbo, stage II's, and a IDM mod.
But, with the stage II's it's getting pretty close.

We own all but the '02s since there were financing deals going on at the time. We've had real good luck with the Fords with diesels so far.....the '91 in my sig has over 315k w/o any major motor issues towing and hauling it's whole life.

Nice X

 

Hey guys! I've been around the forum about forged 7.3's. I have a 2000 F350 7.3 used for pulling the 15K camper, TS6, 4" T-back, stock everything else. Wanting to buy a 2002 7.3 Excursion (stock--I know it won't have forged internals), wanting to put the same basic upgrades. Not going to haul much more than an occasional 7x14 enclosed trailer. With conservative driving, Mobil1, and a focus on fuel economy, is there any concern about the engine's longevity? Thanks for any input.