27/06/2026
Seen some posts regarding differences of Factory FORD SOHC "PINTO" CONRODS, for competition use its plain ridiculous to use them unless rules state. If you do use new rods, still crack test them !!
* Both types are a pain and risky as involves a press in gudgeon pin.
* First off there is a big difference between drag, oval, hill climb & Circuit Racing where the engine is under full throttle high rpm load what you can get away with.
Google Conrod Straight it's called that for a reason !
* EARLY CONRODS ARE FORGED, but don't have adequate metal in the right places, with original heavy cast pistons on circuit engines when new were found to break at 6,500 continuous RPM.
* NEW Properly prepared early Selected, Crack tested/shot peened/resized Conrods/ARP Bolts good for a seasons Circuit Racing up to 8000 with light weight forged pistons, then replaced with new rods.
Good for up to 10,000 RPM for a few runs drag racing then Junk.
* NEW Later 2.0 /205 WIDE BEAM CONRODS ARE CAST and have metal in the right places and have proven reliable in various racing from short track to rallying. These must be replaced after a seasons racing however and will fail after a over rev situation.
* Any serious competition engine should never be built with factory rods unless rules say so, and definitely not using old factory conrods of either type.
There is no substitute for a quality Steel Conrod and a forged piston, no matter what a rev limiter should be fitted.
