Fiat 2 ltr conrod rotation

[Wolf66]

Why is essential, how the conrod is rotated (the side with stamped numbers has to face the inlet side of the engine) in 2 ltr Fiat engine?
Do race rods also have to be rotated in the right way, as their manufacturers don't specify the importance of rotation?

[Guy Croft]

Actually the orientation of those (symmetric rods) doesn't matter. Nor does it matter in most engines. The idea of the 'numbers on the exhaust side' come from a note note in a Fiat manual, and it just a hint really to remind you that if the pistons are not removed from the rods (during 'exploratory' strip of an original engine) you should instal them with numbers on the ex side (non reversed port head model). This ensures that the piston thrust offset and valve reliefs fall on the correct side.

Naturally the caps must stay paired with their respective rods.


GC

[Wolf66]

Thank you for your information. I was curious as i couldn't tell any difference between sides.