I am putting an engine back together, I was about to drop in the pistons but I decided i don't want to keep the stock rods on there, would like to drop in some decent ones now rather than later when the stock ones snap. Running .020 over Mahle pistons, what rods should I get to support up to 450-500ft-lbs tq? I'm debating between Manley H-beam or Eagle rods, but i can't decide because there are a lot of different reviews on both of those rods. You guys got any input on this?

 

spend the extra 2-300 and get the manley turbo tuffs. this way in the future if you decide to throw more at it you are not limited.

 

I definitely don't need that extra power. Not saying I don't want it but I want to have a good balance between fun and reliable, 400tq/500whp seems like a good goal for me. I've read that Manley Tuff's are great rods but they simply aren't needed for my setup.

 

Get eagle h beams.

But as stated above i would just go i beam because usually in the evo game its always i feel slow i want more.

But if you truly believe you have a power cap off with no doubt, buy a h beam either eagle,manley,carillo,pauter,ffwd. Etc...

 

Aside from Aluminum rods, is there a disadvantage to "better" ie. stronger rods? Accelerated bearing wear, but a noticeable amount? Or is cost the bigger factor here?

 

I dont think there is any disadvantages. Your just spemding the money on insurance.

 

Manley turbo tuffs are heavy, stay away. Go with Eagle Hbeams, or step to a real quality rod like Carillo or similar. The Wiseco boost line rods look good, but theres no info on what they weigh yet.

 

Eagle H beams have been proven time and time again, and they're really affordable

 

Someone with realistic power and build goals??!! Really? LOL

But, seriously: I can agree with the above posts of Eagle rods. They should be perfect for your particular build and the pricing is really nice, too. I also had a good experience with their customer service.

 

Why is that so funny? Is it rare for someone to have realistic goals? haha. And thanks for the input bud, I guess I'm sold on the eagle rods

 

Op. Curious. If your gonna build a block why not spend a few extra bucks and make it 900 capable? I mean your gonna be in there might as well do a rod thats gonna be able to withstand all thr boost

 

I went eagle h-beams in my 2.0 with very similar power goals. They had strong reviews and are reasonably priced.

 

very rare. Most think they are gonna make 1,000hp, some day. Then they over do things and are disappointed with how the car performs.

 

I couldn't agree more. I'm with OP, I just want to make a solid 500whp and call it a day. I'm more about power under the curve than some super peaky setup. If I had to put a cap on the biggest turbo setup I'd ever run it'd be a 2.2L stroker motor with a MHI FP Black. I would never even think to go bigger than that

 

500 is that magic number. Lots of upgrades needed, to deal with all that. I had to stop at 460 because I didn't want to do a double pumper.. Which would lead to 500hp...which would lead to cooling issues...drivetrain stuff....etc. I just don't want to go down that road, right now. Maybe once my car is up and going trouble-free for some time.
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