I would like to know what the difference is between I and H beam Rods? They both look the same, but I think the H beam is stronger. If I am building a high output motor I should go with H- beam right?
Difference between H and I beam Rods?
- Thread starter str8stang036
- Start date
Michael Yount
Mustang Master
They actually don't both look the same -- the H and I describe what a cross section of the rod looks like if you were to cut through the middle of the rod and look at the end. If you orient the cross section relative to the way the piston pin goes through the rod, you'll see that the H cross section is rotated 90 degrees to the I cross section when the rod is mated to the piston. So they're quite different.
Others will have to weigh in on the pros and cons -- but here's the kicker. Properly prepared with high strength fasteners, the stock 5.0 I-beam rods are probably stronger than the block is -- so unless you're building a real butt-kicker with a Dart block, there's probably little reason to replace the rods with anything else anyway.
Others will have to weigh in on the pros and cons -- but here's the kicker. Properly prepared with high strength fasteners, the stock 5.0 I-beam rods are probably stronger than the block is -- so unless you're building a real butt-kicker with a Dart block, there's probably little reason to replace the rods with anything else anyway.
Well I ask because I am building a 351w now (dont know if I do a stroker yet) and I want to make it strong and reliable.
Michael Yount
Mustang Master
Well let's keep bumping it to the top and others can weigh in on the pros and cons. If it's a street car motor, there are plenty of 'strong and reliable' I beam connecting rods that will fit the bill, even for strokers. Not saying there's anything wrong with H beams - but I doubt you're gonna be building anything so wicked that you need to get evolutionary on the rod selection.
TIMMY2734
Founding Member
Your going to open a whole can of worms with this debate....
Many will say H and many will say I
Started a thread at corral while back
http://www.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?t=375712
another good thread with the same conclusion, or is it lack of.....http://bbs.hardcore50.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=19518&highlight=stronger+rods
Many will say H and many will say I
Started a thread at corral while back
http://www.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?t=375712
another good thread with the same conclusion, or is it lack of.....http://bbs.hardcore50.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=19518&highlight=stronger+rods
malik641
New Member
H-beams are the way to go if your going to be an avid racer, if its a budget street car or weakend racer than those are overkill and unnecessary. I had more info but my book is elsewhere 
H-beams also handle an 8000rpm with no problem
H-beams also handle an 8000rpm with no problem
As Timmy said you'll get many different opinoins on this issue. How many rpms are you planning?
The I beams are a hair easier on the bearing due do to rod shape over a H-beam, the A-beam is actually better... Yes they Carillo makes a very nice A-beam.
Either I or H will be fine for your application, most aftermarket 4340 stroker assemblies use a H-beam rod.
The I beams are a hair easier on the bearing due do to rod shape over a H-beam, the A-beam is actually better... Yes they Carillo makes a very nice A-beam.
Either I or H will be fine for your application, most aftermarket 4340 stroker assemblies use a H-beam rod.
EMW150
Founding Member
I wouldn't pay a whole lot of attention whether it's I or H configuration. Go by specs and match it to what you want to use the engine for. If you're building something for high rpm you'll probably want to go I beam since they seem to run a little lighter compared to the H beams. You'll have to get manuf. specs though to compare them and you can evaluate then for what's best for you.
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