the 140s are way to complicated. self closing doors and trunks give me the willies.

i have a 90 350sdl. i think that the problem with the 3.5 liter motors is caused by the block losing rigidity from the boring out to make the 3.0 liter motor a 3.5, causing too much flexibility and hence head block sealing problems. and then fluid getting in the combustion chamber and hydrolocking the cylindrer and bending the rod.

so i dont think the stronger rods will solve that problem. several folks have had rod bending issues with uprated factory shortblocks.

my solution is to watch the fluids carefully for any traces of head gasket leaks. also, keep the crossover cleaned out of the tar that builds up there as another possibility is the lumps of tar causing the bent rods.

the third possible source of bending rods is metal fatigue.

if i develop a rod bending isssue i will rebuild with a 3.0 liter short block.

good luck in whatever you choose.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.