I recently came across a bit of information and I wanted to check with you guys.
I read that B17A connecting rods are notoriously weak and I was wondering if any of you guys have experienced this.
Also, what is the best way to prevent this? Will any Honda OEM con rods work or will that shorten/lengthen the stroke considerably?
Is the best choice aftermarket rods?
Thanks in advance.
whether they are weak is a big question. There have been at least 2 people here who have had problems with their stock rods. Whether or not thats a substantial number or not I’m not sure… there are WAY too many variables: previous owners, maintenance done, driving style, bad luck in getting a flawed rod…
i plan on getting my rods shot peened for my b17. I’m pretty sure that will be enough for my setup. Whether you should keep the stock rods and have them shot peened or opt for some aftermarket rods will depend on what application you’re building for. Also, i’m not sure which companies make rods for the b17a, its a rare engine so with specific parts like rods aftermarket applications can be rare.
oh, and no other oem honda rods will fit, they will be too long or too short.
Take the whole B17A1 connecting rod debate and take it for what it’s worth. Failure will not occur within the rod itself but within something that is more dynamic and related to the connecting rod. (i.e. rod bearings)
B17A1 rods are shorter and thicker than B16A rods. They are comparible to B18C rods as far as density and are a good platform for all motor builds.
B17A1 rods are NOT the weak link.