Anybody used ACE H-Beam Rods?

[TrippiGT]

I'm looking to get some forged rods and pistons for my 99 GT. I don't plan on going over 500hp so I don't need anything too crazy. But I found these rods for a good price, I've just never heard of anyone using them. Anybody had any experience with these rods? ModMax - 4.6 and 5.4 Modular Experts

 

[98GTfromGA]

While I don't know anyone that used them one thing to consider. I used Modmax rods in my motor. My engine builder told me that all the cores are forged in China and then finished over here by various companies e.g. Manley, Eagle, Modmax, SCAT, Ace, etc. He said the lower cost rods don't have as good quality control. There will be more variance in the big end roundess and things of that nature. He said with the Manleys they all come in spec are all of them are very close to each other in regards to weight and stuff.

 

[98COBRA281]

yes, im running the I-beams in my motor, for the price they are great!!!, im making 310rwhp, (about 350-360 crank hp)and i have revved it to 6500 a few times now, and im planning to spray a 100 shot in the VERY near futer!!

 

[mustangman9812]

I have ACE Forged H-Beams for my new motor and they looked great! Cant tell you how they will hold up yet but I think things will be fine, BTW if you order some make sure to upgrade to ARP Rod Bolts.

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

Size and weight tolerances are less stringent. That's the main difference, made out of same stuff as Manley's. MMR has their own rods as well that might be worth looking into - they have lots of miles on that brand with no problems.

Just food for thought: I sold a set of manley's out of a cobra used with 11k miles on them with wrist pics for $345 - so people must be paying extra for something.

 

[mustangman9812]

Size and weight tolerances are less stringent. That's the main difference, made out of same stuff as Manley's. MMR has their own rods as well that might be worth looking into - they have lots of miles on that brand with no problems.

Just food for thought: I sold a set of manley's out of a cobra used with 1kk miles on them with wrist pics for $345 - so people must be paying extra for something.

I can see that for High HP apps but for the budget mustang guy these rods will be fine for 500rwhp. Thats why I bought them, I dont wont a ton of power as I figure does this guy. So for $3xx bucks he will have a good set of rods that will do the job and not break the bank

 

[TrippiGT]

Thanks for the info guys. I have been looking for some stock 03/04 Cobra rods for sale. I've seen a few around online for about $300-$350 which is pretty good. But it sounds like the ACE rods are decent for what I'm going to be doing. And also, I have a friend selling some Manley pistons for a good deal. They are 0.20 over, so I would have to get my block bored out. Would I have to get my car retuned for the bigger piston size? And does anyone know what a general price for getting a block bored is?

 

[darkside03gt]

I have taken a look at them myself and they seem like a good rod for the price and power level you are looking at. I would just upgrade the rod bolt to ARPs and call it a day. I myself have been looking at the modmax rods that come standard with ARP bolts.

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

Thanks for the info guys. I have been looking for some stock 03/04 Cobra rods for sale. I've seen a few around online for about $300-$350 which is pretty good. But it sounds like the ACE rods are decent for what I'm going to be doing. And also, I have a friend selling some Manley pistons for a good deal. They are 0.20 over, so I would have to get my block bored out. Would I have to get my car retuned for the bigger piston size? And does anyone know what a general price for getting a block bored is?

Block boring .20 over is 250-350 usually. Just make sure it's torque plate honed in order to be straight.
What dish are you looking for?

 

[Gearbanger 101]

Manley Rods and Diamond pistons here. Been running it with 10psi and over 400hp for 2-years now without a single hickup. You can pick them up now packaged with a balanced stock crank, bearings, ARP bolts and all for about $1,200.

No matter what rods and pistons you run, you're going to have to get the stock crank rebalanced for their beefier mass, so factor that into your budget as well.

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

Manley Rods and Diamond pistons here. Been running it with 10psi and over 400hp for 2-years now without a single hickup. You can pick them up now packaged with a balanced stock crank, bearings, ARP bolts and all for about $1,200.

No matter what rods and pistons you run, you're going to have to get the stock crank rebalanced for their beefier mass, so factor that into your budget as well.

Agreed, i paid $125 for balancing.

 

[mustangman9812]

No matter what rods and pistons you run, you're going to have to get the stock crank rebalanced for their beefier mass, so factor that into your budget as well.

+2, That is a important step that is often overlooked

 

[TrippiGT]

Block boring .20 over is 250-350 usually. Just make sure it's torque plate honed in order to be straight.
What dish are you looking for?

I'm not really sure about the different dish sizes. I honestly don't know much about it. I'm trying to do some research now and figure out what I need before I start spending money. I'm running nitrous, but no supercharger or turbo, so I don't think I need a low compression piston. But I'm not exactly sure. And I didn't know about needing it balanced. I'll need to add that in as well. Thanks guys.

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

Well tell us what kind of compression you're looking for and we can give you a dish idea. High compression helps with nitrous, but it's not essential and requires (usually) higher octane and a safer tune.

 

[TrippiGT]

I'm already using 93 octane fuel, and I have a tune with about 7* of timing pulled out. So I guess I could go with a higher compression. Any suggestions?