Re: Is this rod usable? pic
 

Caps become oval under high rpms, causes the edges of the bearing halves to tuck inward and potentially grab the crankshaft and spin.

This is why bearings are chamfered at their ends, on the face side. Thank Smokey Yunick for that one...

Re: Is this rod usable? pic
 

Well I sent him an email about them and here was his reply...

We are unable to refund you for the item, due to the fact that it has been over 30 days, and that their shouold be nothing wrong with them. I also wanted to tell you that the color difference should not effect the performance of the conn rod. The color change happens when the conn rods and other engine internals are exposed to heat. The engine generates enough heat, especially the high compression rate of the cavi motor, that will change the color of the conn rod. Each combustion chamber generates slightly different friction and heat, based on all kinds of different factors. The shop that built our motor for us told us this when we has the conn rods and pistons removed because we noticed the color difference as well. I know that they should work fine. I dont want to get you upset, or give you the impression that I am trying to ignore you. If you would like, call my call cell phone when you get a chance, and we can talk. Thank you -

Re: Is this rod usable? pic
 

what the hell does a rod cap have to do with a combustion chamber ... those guy are retards petey

Re: Is this rod usable? pic
 

I would have to agree that the temper on the rod is gone. You can change the properties of a metal a lot just by heating and cooling it to certain temps at certain rates.

Re: Is this rod usable? pic
 

ya but why would only one look like that ... had to of spun a bearing

Re: Is this rod usable? pic
 

Or at least ---- hammered it.

Might have gotten the caps mixed up between rods.... seen it happen.