Conrods and bolts for 2L TC

[simon_fdl]

I raced the Montecarlo at Midvaal raceway on Saturday. Had a good day at the track - placed fourth overall. A conrod bolt gave way on #1 on Saturday on the way back from the track. The bolt head came off and was spat through the side of the sump. The rod was clobbered by the crank. The block was holed behind the front engine mount. #1 piston was damaged. I expect that the crank is ruined. The big end bearings showed no evidence of overheating or oil starvation.
Is there a source for new or better quality conrod bolts?
What are the alternatives to standard conrods for the 2L TC?
Regards, Simon

[Guy Croft]

If you're racing - all readers of this post - don't use OE rods!

This is the umpteenth fracture I've heard of in the last three years, those rods are way_too_old and buying new bolts etc, no point. If the new bolt doesn't break the 30 year old rod will..

Simon, everyone, please read:

http://guy-croft.com/viewtopic.php?t=592

FWIW OE rods (and cast pistons) are banned from my shop, have been for a year now, I've seen that many engines wrecked and now I don't want anything to do with them. They're just too old, and I suspect with age now - badly weakened. I don't want to go into the metallurgy because whilst I know enough about it, it's complicated and essentially pointless. In my new book I shall be dwelling exclusively on race parts in that regard.

GC