Ok having my evo 8 motor built. It's already at the machine shop. Just waiting for a call. So far he is removing the balancer shaft and balancing the motor. So bare with me on this this is the first motor I'm having rebuilt. I'm shooting for about 400whp after the motors broke in. All my research iv been doing is saying I should be ok with the stock rebuild with that power? Would I be wasting money on different connecting rods? I'm thinking about going with forged Pistons since the evo motor doesn't have them. So thoughts?

 

Stock rebuild will be totally fine with 400 whp, a lot of guys make that on all stock motors and E85.

Now here's the thing.... If you're already going to have the motor rebuilt, it may make sense to throw in some stronger rods and pistons.... you know.... for when you get the bug and decide to make an a$$ ton of power.

Personally, if I was having a motor rebuilt I would definitely put in rods and pistons since the engine was out of the car already.

So... to answer your question.

*For 400 whp you are totally fine with a stock rebuild. The stock motors are good for a lot higher whp than that, it's the greater than 400 wtq number that causes issues.

*If you've got the motor out already you probably want to go ahead and put rods/pistons in

 

I'm waiting for the call from the machine shop to see what the prices are he wants for rods/Pistons/arp studs. So I wouldn't think it's a significant difference in price but it adds up.

 

You can get Eagle/Manley/Scat rods on the cheap (I wouldn't normally recommend them, but if only 400whp is your goal then they should be ok). Pistons shouldn't too much either.

 

What do you recomend besides those incase I change my mind later on if I feel 400 isn't what I want?