Polishing connecting rods..

[SilverXJ]

Anything wrong with polishing the caps up a bit when doing the rods?

[Alex22]

Nothing wrong with it, just don't remove the balance pad or go nuts and remove half the cap. A conservative polish job to get rid of the casting marks shouldn't weaken the caps. Not too sure how much strength it would add to connecting rod as a whole. The beam is more important, as you most likely know because it is being stretched and then put under a great deal of compression where as the cap doesn't see as drastic of a change in direction of forces.

~Alex

[SilverXJ]

I didn't think it was nearly as important as the beam themselves... but since I was grinding.. might as well do a through job.

[SilverXJ]

Is it necessary to have the shot peened after I am done polishing them?

[SilverXJ]

btt?

[John]

I would, are you changing rod bolts? This removes internal stresses.If you were concerned with removing stress risers enough to polish the beams, you should complete the job.
John

[SilverXJ]

Yes, I am going with the ARP bolts. My machine shop does not offer the shot peening process. Any recommendations for someone I can ship them too?

Should it be done before or after the bolts are installed and the rod resized?

[John]

I like mine stress relieved as the last step. Install them in the best condition possible that way.
John

[SilverXJ]

I couldn't find a place that does shot peening quick enough.. so I went with cryo tempering instead, which IMO is better.

[dwg86]

I couldn't find a place that does shot peening quick enough.. so I went with cryo tempering instead, which IMO is better.

Where and how much?

[SilverXJ]

Porterfield brakes. $10/rod, cheap insurance I say. I have dealt with them in the past on brakes and they have been good.