Best rods for the bottom end (help)

[GTMRS4]

I'm planning on slowly building the bottom end. I was thinking of first doing the rods, recommendations or reviews? And yes I've done the searches.


Pauter Rods
Scat
IE

Any others? Should I replace the pistons and rings at the same time?

[A4ringedONE8T]

If your staying with a 1.8l and happy with 450-500whp at max and 8k rpm, IE drop in rods are more than sufficient. If your going to a larger displacement or want to rev over 8k, you will want/need 20mm pin rods and obviously new pistons. A built head and an appropriate tune is obviously going to go along with the revs as well

How much mileage on your car now?

[GTMRS4]

If your staying with a 1.8l and happy with 450-500whp at max and 8k rpm, IE drop in rods are more than sufficient. If your going to a larger displacement or want to rev over 8k, you will want/need 20mm pin rods and obviously new pistons. A built head and an appropriate tune is obviously going to go along with the revs as well

How much mileage on your car now?

I have 74k on her now - originally I was waiting to wear out the engine and do a 2.0 build, but now think I will just rebuild my bottom end of my 1.8 and later the head.

[GTMRS4]

Shawn - where can you get IE rods and how much do they run?

[k0mpresd]

i have 27k, almost 28k miles on my scat rods.

there was a set of 225tt pistons for sale in the classifieds. cheap. and they have 20mm pins and a slightly lower compression.

[absolutegtr]

I would definetly give it some fresh rings

[dougyfresh]

there was a set of 225tt pistons for sale in the classifieds. cheap. and they have 20mm pins and a slightly lower compression.

I believe those are mine. 9.0:1 cr versus the AMB's 9.5:1 Still for sale.

[A4ringedONE8T]

Shawn - where can you get IE rods and how much do they run?

You got PM!

[k0mpresd]

edited for your protection

[A4ringedONE8T]

Good point, edited

[GTMRS4]

I might be interested in the pistons and rods - ping me

Does anyone know though if I'll need to change my tune since I'm running APR STGIII+?

[dougyfresh]

I sent you a PM back.


Lowering the compression ratio will allow you to run more timing advance under boost. I think your APR tune will be okay as is. If you really feel aggressive you could try to add more timing advance and log, log, log.

[If someone thinks my last statement is incorrect please correct me. I have compiled that from reading and talking to people. No real-world experiences to back up my take on compression ratio.]

[A4ringedONE8T]

Got something for you, send me your email addy when you get a chance!

[A4ringedONE8T]

I sent you a PM back.


Lowering the compression ratio will allow you to run more timing advance under boost. I think your APR tune will be okay as is. If you really feel aggressive you could try to add more timing advance and log, log, log.

[If someone thinks my last statement is incorrect please correct me. I have compiled that from reading and talking to people. No real-world experiences to back up my take on compression ratio.]

Yes but your going to get a delayed spool because of the lower compression, the advanced timing it allows you to run only gets back what you previously had. Id rather have the compression!

[GTMRS4]

You've got mail

[AudiA4_20T]

the best rods are Carillo

[F16HTON]

I would avoid using definitive terms such as "best" as it is subjective.

Some folks think Arrow Rods are the best, others think Pauter Machine makes the best Import Rods, others choose Cunningham.

The best connecting rod is the one that does not break in YOUR motor.