LB7: Rod limits

SickLL7Crenshaw

Billy The Kid
Mar 10, 2013
1,088
34
48
31
Mexico
But yes Crenshaw at that speed and weight I would like to see your compression test results.

Drivers bank was 390, 395, 400, 385 pass bank was 390, 400, 405, 395. Used a harbor freight tester when engine was warm. Balance rates are also -+ 1.0. Did the test last weekend. I thought those numbers looked pretty good but I also don't drive it like I stole it.
 

BUST'EM 504

Active member
Oct 7, 2009
1,047
0
36
I would like to know the differece between lbz and lb7 rod strengths as well.

My truck has been at or above 600 since 2009. Right at 100000 miles on that configuration. For the 85000 of those miles I was relentless on ole girl. I started to lighten up the last 15000 after I lifted it. But I am always prepared to pay to play. I dont anyone has a definitive answer mostly just luck and lies

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Chevy1925

don't know sh!t about IFS
Staff member
Oct 21, 2009
21,661
5,808
113
Phoenix Az
So what exactly is considered low compression? What is a new engine make for compression?

I'm about to go buy a compression tester and I will post the results. If I'm low on any cylinder, I will put my foot in my mouth and eat all my words.

My motor has grade c gaskets and 161,000 miles.

400 is about what a lly/lb7 make new, 380 is what mine made with lower compression pistons and not quite broke in fully. 330-350 and lower and your on bent rods. 250-270 puts you in pistons hitting crank and lots of white smoke, 270+ puts you in the haze territory. this is all based off my motor and others ive read about.

inbetween 350 and 380 is "iffy". a quick shot of oil in the cyl and a rerun of the compression test, then a leak down will tell you if really is rods starting to go, rings worn, or a valve not fully seating.
 

SSchmi5519

LLY Cult Leader
Oct 19, 2008
3,387
1
36
Arizona
Drivers bank was 390, 395, 400, 385 pass bank was 390, 400, 405, 395. Used a harbor freight tester when engine was warm. Balance rates are also -+ 1.0. Did the test last weekend. I thought those numbers looked pretty good but I also don't drive it like I stole it.

How many passes have you made at 108+mph at that weight?
 

SSchmi5519

LLY Cult Leader
Oct 19, 2008
3,387
1
36
Arizona
15+ with 108+ and probably 40 passes 104+ when I turn my tune down for TNT fun.

You are borderline so I would expect your weakest rod/rods to slowly get shorter as you run more of the max effort passes. If you stay at that power level they may just shorten a little bit and stay there.

Beware though that once even one is bent it becomes much easier to bend it further, so even adding +50hp could devastate said rods.
 

SickLL7Crenshaw

Billy The Kid
Mar 10, 2013
1,088
34
48
31
Mexico
You are borderline so I would expect your weakest rod/rods to slowly get shorter as you run more of the max effort passes. If you stay at that power level they may just shorten a little bit and stay there.

Looks like my #6 rod is the shortest with the 385psi of compression. My 12.4 tune is a 2450us on 40% and my stock cp3 holds rail at 22.5k I have a 2600us written but haven't ran it. Most of the time I run on my 2250us.
 

motoking_1990

Active member
May 9, 2011
1,957
5
38
Terre Haute, IN
400 is about what a lly/lb7 make new, 380 is what mine made with lower compression pistons and not quite broke in fully. 330-350 and lower and your on bent rods. 250-270 puts you in pistons hitting crank and lots of white smoke, 270+ puts you in the haze territory. this is all based off my motor and others ive read about.

inbetween 350 and 380 is "iffy". a quick shot of oil in the cyl and a rerun of the compression test, then a leak down will tell you if really is rods starting to go, rings worn, or a valve not fully seating.

This is very good information. Looks like I need a compression tester. I have one for spark plugs but not one to go into the glow plug hole.

I think I am going to to buy a spare engine and start building it. That sounds like my best bet. I see a lot of people parting out trucks on here, so finding one shouldn't be too hard.

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mike diesel

I'm alright.
Sep 6, 2012
4,005
0
36
SLC, Utah
Alrighty here are my compression test results.... 05 lly, grade c gaskets, s472, 30% injectors, efi, always ran on my biggest tune and ran hard every single time I drive it. 161,000 miles. Towed a goose neck it's whole previous life and the last 25,000 miles i have owned it, it has been abused. What do you guys think?

#1: 360 psi
#2: 370 psi
#3: 360 psi
#4: 360 psi
#5: 390 psi
#6: 360 psi
#7: 360 psi
#8: 380 psi