This maybe true... BUT what is the drivetrain warranty on these engines? Many exotics are 1 year unlimited miles, or 3 year 36k on the powertrain.

 

What he told you is simply incorrect, that's all. Neither Ti nor steel have a fatigue life like Al, which is the difference that causes Al to eventually fail.

 

+1 on the NSX Ti rods. I have a set if someone wants them.

...and as far as issues with Ti rods the only one I've heard of over the years was with the Ti being incompatiable, in some cases, with other metals. In which case, they bind, and the issues are solved with brass inserts, in the small end. That was a while ago and I have no idea how things have progressed since.

 

Titanium rods are usually VERY HP SPECIFIC.. Meaning you have to have them custom built for your RPM and HP application.. They are not 1 size fits all like aluminum or steel rods..

Mike

 

http://robertson.mse.uiuc.edu/public...rittlement.pdf

http://www.keytometals.com/Article24.htm

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m.../ai_n21378830/

There is water vapor in air that can be heated from the oil temp/operating temp. I know it can happen I just am wondering how often it happens with Ti rods. As far as LS7s and Ti rods I have seen at least one buck a rod on a 3-2 where a steel or aluminum rod would have been okay. That was at 490whp as well.

 

Well I simply forgot that you know everything about all cars and how they operate, and you work for a Rod manufacturer... stupid me

 

FYI - I've discussed applicability and pricing of titanium rods with several manufacturers over the years (most recently Crower) concerning various platforms, and every one of them confirms what I already know, that being a Ti rod is comparable to a steel rod where longevity is concerned. Where an Al rod becomes a throwaway item, a Ti rod can be reconditioned and reused, just like a steel rod.

Jeff, you can believe whatever you like or whatever you are told. You've been given erroneous information, and the fact that it came from a rod manufacturer makes it all the more disturbing. I am giving you the courtesy of informing you that what you were told was incorrect, regardless of where you heard it. You are free to do with it whatever you like.

 

Interesting thread. There seems to be a lot of positives to running Ti rods. Lighter/stronger/more durable/less rotational mass than steel and aluminum, I'm surprised nobody is using these yet for that added extra edge.

 

The only issues with Ti rods that I have heard of is with galling, and that's only if the rod hasn't been prepped right from the manufacturer.

 

Different alloys of the same "metals" a side, as a rule, I can't say I would agree with the AL/Ti info you got Jeff. Not taking sides, but we used different alloys and different metals in various parts of an aeroframe for a reason. Other than "light weight" (depending on individual alloy), Al and Ti do not share the properties that would require one to "replace rods" used in the automotive application, as "commonly" understood, or as referenced above.

However, application dictates the alloy... with that said, and not pointing fingers, it would be easy to design a (Ti) alloy for a rod with a predetermined "life". You know, like the Big Three were DAMN good at in the 80's (now pointing a finger). With that said, the information Jeff got could in fact be VERY correct. After all, it is all about business... in the same breath, it would be just as conceivable to design one (Ti) that could last just as long as steel. Yes, yes, oxidation might have to be addressed, but it is EVERY day in Aerospace.

So quit yall's pissin' about who's right about who was "told" what, and let's find some FACTS.

 

They come plasma coated to prevent that from happening. Because of that, I imagine the reconditioning costs are high.


"Some materials (e.g., some steel and titanium alloys) exhibit a theoretical fatigue limit below which continued loading does not lead to failure." - Wiki/"Fatigue Life"

Below certain loading thresholds, the fatigue life of better steel and titanium alloys is effectively indefinite. That is a quality evident to those metals, but not aluminum (the loading threshold of which is close to zero). The facts are in the metallurgy and what anyone will confirm with the most respected Ti rod makers in the business (e.g. Crower, Oliver, Carrillo, Pankl, etc.).

If someone offered to make me a Ti rod and informed me that it would fatigue, you'd better believe I wouldn't be buying their rod.

FYI

 

Yes, yes... I'm just saying it does not require anyone to get butt hurt about it. ON EITHER SIDE!!!

 

I don't remember what the NSX's warranty was, but the Z06 (along with the ZR-1, and CTS-V) all carry GM's 5yr 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

 

I'm not privy to who's using Ti rods on any of the mass produced automobiles... anyone want to point me in the right direction? As an enthusiast, this is a GREAT subject. There are people who may be willing to pay the entry fee for any such benefits.

 

I mentioned a few in post #22.

Only those who show their butts need be concerned about getting their butts hurt. - words of wisdom