• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

What's the difference between H-beam and I-beam rods?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mjh304
  • Start date Start date Dec 5, 2003

mjh304

Founding Member
Nov 30, 2000
578
0
0
Clearwater, Florida
Dec 5, 2003
#1
  • Dec 5, 2003
  • #1
I hear these terms, but don't know the difference. I'm guessing it's cosmetic with how the rod looks, but maybe not? Anyone know?
 

TIMMY2734

Founding Member
May 17, 2002
1,330
1
36
Queens, NY
Dec 5, 2003
#2
  • Dec 5, 2003
  • #2
i started a thread a while back on which is stronger over on the corral

http://www.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=375712
 

mjh304

Founding Member
Nov 30, 2000
578
0
0
Clearwater, Florida
Dec 5, 2003
#3
  • Dec 5, 2003
  • #3
Interesting, thanks for the site! So I'm guessing it is cosmetic? H beam have the sides of them pretty much cut out, and the I beams are solid blocks of beam? Is this right? That's the only difference in the name? LOL..I'm not gonna get into the strength of them here too!!!
 

TIMMY2734

Founding Member
May 17, 2002
1,330
1
36
Queens, NY
Dec 6, 2003
#4
  • Dec 6, 2003
  • #4
They are called H beams because they look like an H, an the I's look like an I, but they are like that for a reason. If you had read the thread that i posted, you would see some trade offs between the two
 

stangbear427

Active Member
Nov 11, 2002
2,401
1
49
New England
Dec 6, 2003
#5
  • Dec 6, 2003
  • #5
The cosmetic difference is seen in the cross section cutaway view if you were to cut on in half. Theoritically, I beams are lighter and H beams are stronger, to a point. Not without exception, but that's the jist. Now I think I'll follow that link...
 

mjh304

Founding Member
Nov 30, 2000
578
0
0
Clearwater, Florida
Dec 6, 2003
#6
  • Dec 6, 2003
  • #6
I see. Yes, I read the link...that's why I said I'm not going to get into which is stronger in THIS thread too. Thanks all!
 
S

ScatStroker

Founding Member
Sep 17, 2002
110
0
0
Seattle / Santa Barbara
Dec 8, 2003
#7
  • Dec 8, 2003
  • #7
As a genreal street car rule of thumb the I-beams are not as strong as the H-beams.

I was actually at PRI discussing the same thing with Carrillo and Oliver, each feel their design is superior but it is at a completely different level of performance and price.

Brian
 

Black331Stang

Active Member
Apr 29, 2003
1,485
0
36
Long Island, NY
Dec 8, 2003
#8
  • Dec 8, 2003
  • #8
so with a 331 should i go with i or h...375-400 rwhp goal, MAYBE nitrous(100).some track use.
 

stangbear427

Active Member
Nov 11, 2002
2,401
1
49
New England
Dec 8, 2003
#9
  • Dec 8, 2003
  • #9
You could almost certainly be fine with a good quality set of I beams. With the N2O, I would go with H's to be safe, but that's just me. I like over building things. Especially if you aren't building it to have a super high rpm powerband (6000 and up) I'd stay with the heavy (& heavy duty) H beams.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

1
Electrical Headlight harness trouble
  • 1985fox
  • Apr 14, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
236
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 17, 2026
AeroCoupe
B
Engine Strange Noise
  • burntokita
  • May 8, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
8
Views
383
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 11, 2026
keel
L
Door pull panels, convertible versus coupe
  • lenzgt
  • Jun 25, 2026
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
2
Views
79
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech Jun 25, 2026
lenzgt
L
F
Difference between 83-86 EFI and 87-97 gas tanks?
  • ForeverDrivin
  • Mar 30, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
5
Views
249
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Mar 30, 2026
ForeverDrivin
F
6
2010 V6 Sees differently than GT?
  • 6t9Mach1
  • Mar 31, 2026
  • 2010 - 2014 Specific Tech
Replies
2
Views
179
2010 - 2014 Specific Tech Apr 1, 2026
6t9Mach1
6
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?