Hey everyone,
I found this interesting study that compares forged, powdered metal, and cast connecting rod materials. It's a lengthy write-up and full of equations on how they came up with their findings and a summary at the end to wrap things up.
It seems like I keep finding conflicting data on the LS3 Connecting Rods because on GMPP's site they claim they are 'powdered metal' but on the camarohomepage.com they say otherwise.
So I'm confused - Are the LS3 rods forged, or are they just hardened by shot peening?
Is there a difference in the terms 'powdered metal' and 'powdered steel'?
Connecting Rod Material Study:
http://www.forging.org/FIERF/pdf/FatigueBehavior.pdf
Camarohomepage.com write-up - Connecting Rod section: claims the LS3 connecting rods are PF1159M powdered steel, sintered, hot-forged, and shotpeened:
http://www.camarohomepage.com/ls3/
GMPP site engine showcase tech specs:
http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...1992&engCat=ls
Can anyone chime in with factual information and if possible, provide technical referrences?
