Pink rods with "b" casting?

[madden]

hi

quick question

i recently picked up a 1971 LT1 engine and in dis assembly found that the rods have the pink colour to them but are all casting marked with "B" on the caps..........instead of "o" or "x"

any info on these rods..are they any good?.....what are they?

thanks for the help

regards
chris

[rszmjt]

In 1971/1972 GM began using the “B” on the caps in the Z28 engines, in fact in 1972 I bought 2 replacement 69 Z28 rods and they came with “B” on them.
I also had a 72 Z28 short block back in 74 out of a 9,000 mile car and it had all “B” rods.
Later L82 Corvette short blocks had “X” rods with white and pink paint all over them.
I have a set of white/pink paint rods that actually have what look like “D” on them, not sure if it was a “B” that the forging die messed up or what.
Hope that helps.

[madden]

so the "B" pink rod is also a good vintage performance rod then?

thx
chris

[rszmjt]

Originally Posted by madden

so the "B" pink rod is also a good vintage performance rod then?

thx
chris

Yes it is very similar to the original 69 Z28 rod except it is a pressed pin, it can easily be converted to floating, we just pin fit them to .0007 - .001 clearance. I know some people say .0005 - .0007 clearance but we have had a few gall at the lower end spec. I also drill lower 3/32 oiling holes and a 1/8" upper oiling hole hole in rod.
The pink/white "B" rod has a shotpeend cap also. I do recommend putting ARP 134-6003 bolts in them and resizing the big end.
Lots of people say just use a aftermarket rod, but I still like the bragging factor of having Z rods, plus aftermarket rods are usually heavier on the big end which increases the bob weight figure.

[Salvatore]

Floaters not really necessary in my opinion.

[McCune]

My 73 Z28 "B" pink rods