I'm just reading up trying to learn a few things about my engine, and I wanted to see what exactly the stock rods where made out of. so what my question is, is what exactly does "connecting rods and rod caps are initially formed as one-piece powdered metal forgings." I "powdered metal" is what im confused about. if someone could clear this up for my that would be cool, thanks in adavance
-Jack

Imagine metal dust. When it is heated enough, it all melts together to form one piece.

http://www.memagazine.org/backissues/september99/features/powder/powder.html

Originally posted by DR1665
Imagine metal dust. When it is heated enough, it all melts together to form one piece. http://www.memagazine.org/backissues/september99/features/powder/powder.html

Pretty much. Then, to form the rod cap, they crack the big end in half.

sry if im being a pain, but do you know what kinda of metal?? and this process of metal melting, does this take away strength of the final product?

Originally posted by CaptainJack
sry if im being a pain, but do you know what kinda of metal?? and this process of metal melting, does this take away strength of the final product?

It's intended to lower production costs. There's nothing, inherently, wrong with the stock pistons in these cars, but common sense would tell you what happens to strength when cost is reduced. :shrug

thanks for the info

The biggest problem with cracked cap rods is the headache they give engine builders when trying to hone/resize the journals if they go out of round. I say headache because it's damned near impossible. Hence another reason to buy H-beam rods when rebuilding.