Has anyone explored just changing the rods in your good engine and reusing the stock pistons?
This would save money and the need for boring the cylinders.

 

I swapped mine out for Manely(PSP), no problems, I did do it when the truck was brand new because I knew I would be Kenne Bellin' it!!

 

We've had that done for a couple of our customers. One of them shoots a 125shot and has had no problems.

We offer a set of h-beam rods that are good to 1000hp with the ARP2000 bolts.

 

What is a fair price for installing aftermarket rods? Would changing the crank be a smart thing to do as well?

 

The cranks, up until late last year, were forged. Ford went to a cast crank, we think, to eleviate some of the rod problems (a little more flex).

The entire rotating assembly has to be balanced once you change any of the components, so the only thing you are saving by just doing the rods is the cost of the new parts, pistons, rings, etc., and a small amount of the labor.

You will pay 75% of the job, vs. shortblock, and only get 50% of the benefit.

 

Tim, does that mean I have a cast crank in my 03?

I was under the impression all Lightnings, Harley's and most n/a truck 5.4's got the forged crank, and some n/a trucks ended up with the cast crank, just at random.

Is having a cast crank anything to be concerned about? TIA.

 

ALL H/D & Lightnings Have Forged Steel Cranks....The Part#'s are just messed up in the books...Do Not Use a Cast Crank!....In your Lightning H/D Engine.....I would not use the Stock pistons for more than 18# of boost either......JL

 

So what is a fair price for the rod install?