Hey Everyone!
I'm not sure if anyone is interested or not, but I'd thought I'd throw this out there. As most of you know I'm in the middle of building a supercharged 700cc twin. I got a phone call from R&R Connecting Rods in Illinois today in regards to a quote for producing some custom steel H-Beam connecting rods that will be a direct replacement for the original rods. Now they are not cheap, but they are field tested to hold over 300hp per rod,
WAY beyond what any Enfield will see (as of now
). As you know the factory rods are the weakest part on the entire bike and known for breaking and putting holes in engine cases. And if you have looked into it you also know that the only replacements are OE rods or Hitchcocks forged aluminum rods. The custom steel H-Beams will end being about the same price as the aluminum Hitchcocks rods for a pair. The advantage to a steel rod over aluminum is that steel does not fatigue like aluminum does. Aluminum rods have a stress life and need to be replaced over time depending on riding habits and mileage, where as the steel rods are much stronger and don't fatigue and do not need to be replaced.
The quote I received was $690 for a pair. I asked if there was any kind of discount for producing more than 2 and he replied that I could get 4 made at a price of $985. He then explained to me that the more I order in one batch the cheaper they will be as the set up fee for the CNC machine is a good part of the actual cost for small runs. Either way, if more than 1 pair is produced, the cost would be no more than $500 a pair, which is cheaper than Hitchcocks by the time you factor in exchange rates and shipping.
I'm not looking to make a profit off of anything. I just thought that as long as I was going to have these made anyways that I would extend to offer out to everyone in case there is anyone in need of rods or looking to upgrade. I believe there are a couple of different people that are in the middle of builds.
Anyways, just let me know if you're interested. Cheers!
Scottie J