Titanium conrod

[Flummo]

I am wondering if there is any performancegain in using a conrod of titanium instead of iron. It would be used in a tuned Honda mopedengine (65cc) giving 12-14 hp @ 11000rpm and top rpm 12000. Any info is apriciated, also about other ways to get more power from it.

 

[EricGorr]

A titainium connecting rod is about 25% lighter than a standard connecting rod. It would probably be a good performance modification, to install a ti rod. However I don't have any recommendations for suppliers.
Good luck

 

[pursang262]

R.P.M Manufacturing , P.O. box 360, Ware, Ma. 01082
fax 413-967-3540

 

[Flummo]

Does anybody have any experience with this kind of mod? What about reliability compared to a standard rod (with silver plated bearings)? Any pros or cons except the lower weight?

 

[cujet]

Ti rods are a good idea in engines that have a removable bearing surface. In a 2 stroke engine the big end of the rod is the bearing. As Ti makes the worlds worst bearing material, I would suggest looking carefully at the rod design to determine suitability.

chris

 

[pursang262]

The RPM rods have a hardened steel insert at both ends for a bearing surface. This insert is replaceable.There are probably a dozen of these in bikesin our local hillclimbing series, mostly high load high rpm use, and durability seemsto begood.

 

[Flummo]

I was thinking of getting one or two rods and a couple of extra inserts. That would last some time, and with silver plated bearings it will stand my kind of revs quite good i think.

 

[spanky250]

My engine has an RPM Ti rod in it, installed by the former owner when he cold-seized the engine. It has a removable insert for the bearings. I have ridden a stock KDX 250, and mine revs noticeably quicker. The bottom end is still in good shape after 6 years, so I think the reduced mass does have some longevity benifits.

 

[Flummo]

You have convinced me now... Next rebuild will be with a Ti rod, assuming that i have the money by then ofcourse.
Someone told me that he could build a complete crank in Titanium, but i think there would be a problem with the balance, since Ti is so light. Or am i wrong? A lighter crank should rev faster, and that is always funny...