8BA rod bushings

[GOSFAST]

Originally Posted by russcc

Any one know of source for undersize r8BA od bushings. By undersize, I mean the ID of the bushing itself. I understand that the OD comes in 3 or so oversizes, but the ID is usually real close to .750 so it can just be honed.
I would like the option of being able to have them bored so I get an exact 7.000, OAL, or whatever I need for the engine assembly to get the pistons the same distance in relationship to the deck surface. Also, does the Tobin Arp or Sunnedn rod machines have the capability to adjust the OAL of the rod during machining. Thank you Fordbarners.

Of the two machines you mention only the Tobin-Arp will allow you to "dial-in" any "center-to-center" numbers, cannot be done by honing.

You would have to be very careful about any substantial length changes using the bushings as a correction factor, these are considered "thin-wall" bushings. When resizing a Flathead rod, "shrinking" the holes by removing material only from the caps, you don't really alter the C/C that much. Normally speaking you only need .003" from the caps, assuming the rods (big ends) haven't been totally destroyed, like "spun" and "burnt blue"??

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. Out of all the OEM (Flathead) rods we've worked around over the years I have never seen any "dramatic" differences in the lengths. At least not enough to cause any issues overall!!