Rods for early engine - 1965 S2

[jono]

Posting for my pal who is restoring a series 2.

He's after a good set of con rods as the existing rods have seen dampness and are a bit pitted. Could have them peened I guess but he'd prefer a good used set.

His current rods bear the reference 'SDF36' - anything out there?

Cheers

Jon

[rjaxe]

I think early engines had 116E rods before upgrading to 125E on later engines, someone will correct me if this is wrong. However I do have a set of 116E rods which also have 3DF42 and 3df43 cast markings, is this what he is after? If so I happy to sell them.
R

[ill_will]

I vaguely remember several twin cam experts urging extreme caution running the 116e rods, due to the small rod bolts.

Worth checking the Dave Bean catalogue, Miles Wilkins book and this forum perhaps.

[zog]

Years ago, at our Lotus Corps annual picnic, we used to use the 116 rods for a "Rod Toss" game. We would set up an old Elan hood and Toss the rods through a cut out hole in the hood, Like the modern day backyard Bags or corn hole games. We stopped playing because the hood got destroyed.

Don't use the 116 rods. Find a set of 125 rods or use modern rods.

[jono]

Thanks for the comment guys - are the later rods a direct swap for the early ones does anyone know?

Cheers

Jon

[promotor]

Thanks for the comment guys - are the later rods a direct swap for the early ones does anyone know?

Cheers

Jon

Yes: no modification needed at all. Just make sure the con rod bolts in the 125E rods are X grade and not V grade as sometimes the incorrect bolts are fitted.

[rgh0]

I would replace the bolts with new ARB ones as the orginal bolts will be in an unknown condition after all these years

cheers
Rphan