Hey all, does anyone here know the length of the C1TE connecting rods? I have a set of rods resized to fit the 351W rod journals with bronze sleeves installed at the top end. I'm trying to find out the length so I can figure out what kind of pistons to order. Also, do you guys have any idea as to the max HP potential of these rods?
I'm putting together a twin Turbo 351W, and have been told the stock Windsor rotating assembly can handle 700 flywheel HP. I only have the stock crank, so I'm wondering if these are worthwhile to use or if I should just buy new rods and pistons. Thanks guys, any help would be appreciated.
SS

 

6.252" is the generally used figure, assuming they aren't offset bushed. So far as HP...they are considered to be the strongest of the Y rods, though they are all decent. I'd say 400 hp would be as far as I'd ever be brave enough to test them, probably less. A good street Y will never need anything better. The bolts are the weakest point, & ARPs are available. Truthfully, the hardcore Y block racers use aftermarket rods just like everyone else, usually with a SBC rod journal..

I'd be leery of 700 hp through stock Windsor rods, though the cranks are good. As with any rod the lighter the recip weight, the better; also depends on shock loads.

Myself, considering your combination, I'd pay the extra $$ & use Scat H-beams; they aren't that expensive nowadays & you can sell the C1TEs to recoup some of it.

 

Sweet, thanks for the info! The rods are not offset, they are mint and in excellent shape. I do know of at least 3 guys running at least 700HP with the stock Windsor rods, 2 are '69 blocks and 1 is a newer Lighting motor. I'm not too worried about it as I dont plan on making that kind of power all the time. I'll probably have it set at low boost which would probably make 500ish through an otherwise stock longblock.
How much are the C1TE rods worth these days? I am not sure, but I think my rods have upgraded rod bolts. Thanks again!
SS

 

Oh, I've known some 5.0 stock block guys making a genuine 700hp at the crank, with stock rods...but not for real long. Me, I'm paranoid, & cheap. But they can last for awhile. I figure, though, that if I'm already in there, I'm using something better. OTOH, with the 5.0, @ even with the 351W, they are common enough that I guess one can look at them as disposable short blocks. I wouldn't, but then I'm an old fart.

The SRS or ARP bolts usually are marked. If not, then look at the top of the bolt. If it has a slight indent in the center, it's an aftermarket bolt (for Rockwell hardness testing). Though not all aftermarkets have 'em. If you had the rods rebuilt by a machine shop & didn't specify, then most shops use Pioneer bolts; they do have a "better" line, but they also make stock replacements, too, & that's what most shops use, in my experience, anyway.

As far as what they are worth, it's been a little while since I've seen a set sell. If I recall correctly, about nine months ago, a set of NOS C1TEs sold on the Bay for something less than $200, maybe $180 or so. They were still in the original Ford boxes. I'd say $50-$100, maybe, for rods that were used & needing resizing. So, there you go, for what it's worth. I'm too lazy to look up the 351W journal size right now, but if the rods had to be cut quite a bit to fit, that'll alter the price, since they will have to be resized for a Y.

Another last thought, not really for you, just a general observation, is that those rods have something of a limited application. They are the same C-C length as the 312 Y rod & can be used there (and often are)...but their original application, for the 292HD medium truck engine, is kind of worthless. Most, if not all, 292 replacement pistons have the std. 292 pin height for the longer 239/272/292 rod length...so using them on a C1TE rod gives you a piston that is so far down in the hole at TDC that it's in a different zip code. Quench is non-existent. I'm sure that quite a few 292 rebuilds don't take that into account...but they should.

 

Well, I had them measured today. They are 6.252" exactly, with factory main size and piston pin size. They have been reconditioned, and seem to have a factory replacement rod bolt. The bolt doesnt have an indentation, but rather is angled on one side of the top of the bolt head. These rods are in mint, reconditioned shape. Do you think I could get $200 for them to recoup towards my new 351 rods? Thanks for the help!
SS

 

When you say "factory main size", I'm assuming that means the rod big end was sized to std. Y diameter. (Just so I'm on the same page.) No rust, new bushings, etc. etc.

Assuming that, it raises the $$ a bit. You might try putting them on the Bay for that, or maybe a little less, or start lower with a reserve. Or, put 'em in FTE's classifieds...or on this forum: http://www.y-blocksforever.com/

I think those would probably be the best bet to get the most $$, truthfully....from guys that are into the Y block, rather than someplace general like racingjunk.com or Craigslist. Good luck! If you don't have any luck selling them, drop me a PM.

 

Just to be sure, whats the Y block main journal diameter? No rust, new bronze bushings on the piston pin end, looks like they're new rod bolts. Doesn't look like they've had any material taken off either end either, for balancing or anything of that sort. They have C1TE-C stamped on one side and B3 D-A on the other. So, how much do you think they're worth??? Would be nice if they covered a new set of forged pistons for my Windsor
Thanks again for all your help, I'll see what I can get for em on Evil Bay.... unless you want to make me an offer on them? Cheers!
SS

 

The main journal is 2.498. The rod markings match the part number listed for the 1958 and later HD truck motor, C1TE6C00C.

 

Looks like these have been resized to fit the 351W rod journal of 2.311...........
What are they worth now :S
SS

 

How about a swap for a case of homemade wine LOL?

 

How about a swap for a case of 8 forged 4.00" 351W pistons
SS

 

Homespun91, you have a PM.
SS

 

Does anyone know metallurgically why and how much stronger C1TE rods are compared to ECZ's? Reason I ask is I have a 312 with ECZ rods and 60 vintage TRW forged pistons I'm wanting to spin to 6500 rpm. I bought a set of resized and rebushed C1TE's thinking they would do it. Now I have doubts. They are 14g heavier. They do have an oil hole at the BE to aim at the thrust wall (I don't recall if ECZ's do). But... they still have ECZ stamped BE caps. It looks to me like Ford did nothing more to C1TE's over ECZ's than to make them marginally thicker to resist bending and maybe add the oil spray hole. Any comments?