Connecting Rod
Chevrolet used many variations of
their basic connecting rod over the years. All the rods were similar. Small block rods
were 5.70 center length, and all rods produced prior to 1968 had a 2 inch rod journal
diameter. All rods from 1968 on, including 1967 350 rods, have a 2.1 inch rod journal
diameter. In addition, rods built until May 1967 have V groove holes in the rod cap.
All big block rods have a 6.135 center length and a 2.325 inch rod
journal diameter.
The part numbers for Chevrolet rods are identical for each year Camaro,
but there were variations in the rod design with the same number.
| Part Number | Application |
| 3892670 | 4 & 6 cylinder except 292 |
| 3789421 | 292 |
| 3916399 | 307, 327, 350 |
| 3862720 | 396, 427, except 427 L88 |
| 3942409 | 427 L88 |
Listed below are the basic variations for each application.
283 through 1967
- small journal
- forged steel
- pressed-pin
- small rod beam
- 11/32 diameter rod bolts
327, except high performance
- small journal, 11/32 rod bolts in 1967
- large journal, 3/8 rod bolts 1968, 1969
- forged steel
- pressed pin
- small rod beam
- a Chevrolet Engineering Servce Letter, dated
November 1, 1967, read in part:
"In order to use up a surplus of 45,000 1967 350 cu. in. Connecting Rod Assemblies (incorporating the 11/32" rod bolts and nuts), approximately 5,600 1968 RPO L30 (327 Cu. In.) engines with Powerglide Transmissions were built from 10-11-67 through 10-13-67 with the 1967 Connecting Rod Assemblies."
327 high performance
- small journal, 11/32 rod bolts in 1967
- large journal, 3/8 rod bolts 1968, 1969
- forged steel
- pressed pin
- heavy beam
302 (Z/28>
- small journal, 11/32 rod bolts in 1967
- large journal, 3/8 rod bolts 1968, 1969
- forged steel
- shot peened
- heat treated
- magnafluxed (known as "pink rods" due to the pink residue)
- babbit dipped
- 1967 - early 1968 pressed pin
- late 1968 - 1969 floating pin
350, 1968-69 307
- small journal, 11/32 rod bolts in 1967
- large journal, 3/8 rod bolts 1968, 1969
- forged steel
- pressed pin
350 high performance (LT1)
- large journal
- forged steel
- pressed pin
- shot peened
- heat treated
- magnafluxed (known as "pink rods" due to the pink residue)
396, 427 except high performance
- forged steel
- small 3/8 rod bolts
- pressed pin
396 and 427 high performance
- identified by a "double dimple bump" on each side of the rod beam near the top
- forged steel
- standard beams and a stronger design at the big end
- pressed pin on all except Corvette 427/430.
- 3/8 rod bolts with higher rating.
- heat treated
- magnafluxed (known as "pink rods" due to the pink residue)
427 ZL1
- identified by a "double dimple bump" on each side of the rod beam near the top
- forged steel
- heavy beam
- floating pin
- 7/16 rod bolts with ground shanks
- heat treated
- shot peened
- magnafluxed (known as "pink rods" due to the pink residue)