I-Beams vs. Pauter Rods
Posted: December 1st, 2006, 9:36 am
I understand that I-Beams are supposed to be really strong. How do Pauter rods compare to them? Do each type have pros and cons?
I-Beam rods are strong. Typically the H-Beam and Pauter-X Beam designs are the strongest. Eagle & Scat are big on the H-Beam design and usually hold up to 700+ HP. The Pauter rods have more center mass and larger radiuses making them arguably stronger and definately more aerodynamic. Most of them are made from a chromemoly type of steel. The Pauter rods for example are 4340 chromemoly forging with bronze wrist pin bushings. These rods are well priced at $784 for a set of 4. If you have a lot of extra money Pauter will make you a set of 4 Titanium rods for about $5400. The Titanium Rods are just as strong or stronger than the 4340 rods yet weigh 33% less!
If you break forged rods your probably detinating or went with a light weight version of the rods....very few will make enough actual HP & torque to break the rods...you'll likely break the rod bolts first if not detinating.
I don't recommend aluminum rods to most people as they are designed for race only use and typically have a short life compaired to steel and titanium rods.