The Limit of Forged Rods?

[cblackb]

Hey All, I was wondering something. How much power can a 7.3L w/ Forged Rods (pre- 10/00) reliably withstand? Any ideas? Thanks!

[99Smokin73Stroker]

Heeeere comes Martin! He's all about those PMR's!

[guzzle]

Originally Posted by cblackb

Hey All, I was wondering something. How much power can a 7.3L w/ Forged Rods (pre- 10/00) reliably withstand? Any ideas? Thanks!

That's really a tough question due to the clarifier you used -- "reliably".

On short bursts, PMRs can usually hold up to 400 RWHP, over that you had better have FRs. On long hauls such as pulling a 13,000 lb load up a long mountain pass, 450 RWHP on forged rods may let go before you reach the top.

There are some PSDs pushing 600+ RWHP in drags and pulls. The problem you begin to run into when pushing that kind of HP are stripped pumpkins, twisted axles and grenanded transmissions.

---

Last edited by guzzle : 12-30-2006 at 04:50 PM.

forged are usually good for 500 give or take a little. Most everyone running 500+ rwhp has rebuilt the engine and used billet connecting rods.

guzzle- you'd be suprised at what the drive terrain will with stand. dockboy has made 100's of 500+ rwhp passes at the strip and has never broke anything (has upgraded tranny of course). Dockboy's latest passes are at about 750 rwhp. Ive probably made close to 100 passes at 500+ rwhp and never broke anything either, my recent runs were at approx 650-660 rwhp.

[Turbodude]

form what ive read the PSD is a very strong engine...the lower end is outstanding and the upper end has spring and push rod, and the occasional head gasket (when not running after market head studs) problems if running ridiculous power. but again these things fail if running ridiculous power. If running a bigger turbo with high boost PSI then the head gaskets are going to blow out form the Boost pressure alone thats why you will see alot of guys running ARP headstuds. I haven't heard of too many problems with the rods or the pistons. one thing to look out for is cracking of number 7 and 8 cylinders, the cylinder walls are the thinnest there and supposedly don't get that good of coolant circulation.

[rufushusky]

Yeah I have heard with Forged Rods anywhere from 500-600rwhp, so I would guess around 500-550rwhp to be safe. 500rwhp is a tall order with a 7.3 though....

[twildman]

Mine is doing just fine, I am a RCH or two over 500.

But you have to remember, just because the motor can make that kind of power, I don't use it everday. My daily driver is only around 440ish, and thats at WOT.

Tuning has alot to do with it as well.

Originally Posted by twildman

Mine is doing just fine, I am a RCH or two over 500.

But you have to remember, just because the motor can make that kind of power, I don't use it everday. My daily driver is only around 440ish, and thats at WOT.

Tuning has alot to do with it as well.

Say.......Do you know where I could find a good tuner?

[Maintain]

Originally Posted by 99Smokin73Stroker

Heeeere comes Martin! He's all about those PMR's!

I don't get where you're taking this...

Originally Posted by lukecline

guzzle- you'd be suprised at what the drive terrain will with stand. dockboy has made 100's of 500+ rwhp passes at the strip and has never broke anything (has upgraded tranny of course). Dockboy's latest passes are at about 750 rwhp. Ive probably made close to 100 passes at 500+ rwhp and never broke anything either, my recent runs were at approx 650-660 rwhp.

Dockboy has a broken rear leaf spring, that may not have been caused by runs at ths strip though He says it actually helps him whe he launches lol...

[smokin dually]

I thought I was in the safe range. I was told around 550 to 600 hp was the safe limit. When the number 6 rod came through the side of the block I learned different.