Carrillo or IMS?

[F-16Guy]

I'm thinking of putting an aftermarket rod in my bike while it's torn down. I think it's down to two choices: Carrillo or IMS Pro Series. The Carrillo looks (and probably is) stonger, but it's also $140 more. The IMS looks much stronger than stock, and my motor mods are not outrageous. Is the Carrillo just overkill? Has anyone heard bad things about the IMS rods? Some personal experiences would help a lot. Thanks!

[SlapNutz]

kick sadaaamns ***?


:macho

[F-16Guy]

Just waiting for the call!

:scary:

[Sandragggen]

The way I look at is, if your going to go through the pain of putting in a new rod....use the strongest. I had a IMS435 12.5:1 that was probably in the 38hp range and had no problems for 2 years with stock rod. I'm using a Carrillo with the 465 and for $240 it better hold up. I'll let you know in a year or earlier if it breaks.

[hondaracer31]

I've seen quit a few mildly built 400's break the stock rod. When they rebuilt them they ALL went with the Carillo rod. That's what I have in my 440 stroker. Never heard anything bad about this rod!
IMO it's worth the extra $ for the best!

[Dave400ex]

Also most Engine Builders use that Rod or they have some other special one made...

[K_Fulk]

http://www.powroll.com/honda_trx_400ex.htm

Check out there haeavy duty rod down toward the bottom of the page you could e-mail tham for a price, I'm sure its just as strong or stronger than a carillo.

[oldnumberseven]

If your motor is not heavily modded I would go with the IMS. The carrillo rod is slightly heavier than the IMS. Don't get me wrong the Carrillo rod is the best available (I have one in my Trinity 465 .....52 horses) but if you are not looking at a great deal of motor work the IMS rod is a good strong product for a lot less cash!

[trx400ex]

to me the IMS looks the same as a stock rod...the way i see it is if im tearing the motor down all the way to the crank, its getting the best...expecially when the best is only 140$ more.

[BigThumper33]

I was I could say 140 bucks more.....is ONLY 140 bucks more :blah

[trx400ex]

Well after having a built motor let go it really puts you into perspective on how much $$$$ youll be saving by not having to buy another engine.

[ChadEXer]

I would definately put a Carillo in it If I was you! My motto has always been, If your going to do something, do it right the first time,,,even though i have had trouble following it in the past, its good advice!!

[86atc250r]

I've heard from a few people the IMS rod is *not as strong* as stock.

No personal experience, but that sure makes a person leery, especially when it's coming from people that weren't trying to sell me anything.

If you're going to go to the trouble of replacing the rod, what's $140 in the long run?

I've never heard a complaint of any kind about the Carillo.

[F-16Guy]

Thanks for all the replies. I just talked to Scott at Carrillo Ind., he said the price direct from them is $175. That's not too bad. I agree, no junk in THIS motor!! Has anyone split their own case? I'm pretty decent with a wrench, so I thought I would remove the crank assy myself and save some labor cost. Is there anything I should know before I get started (besides "get a service manual")? Thanks again.

[86atc250r]

Just to get a service manual :)

[Sandragggen]

Sparks is selling them for $240....$175 from Carrillo. Hummm. Should have done my homework a little better. 7 months ago, I had a heck of a time finding crank pin bearings and crank pin for the Carrillo but found them at Crank Works. Some of the people I talked to, including Sparks, said to use exsisting bearings/pin...that didn't set well with me. Weisco makes bearings/pin that will work.

Check
http://www.wiseco.com/

Then select "Catalogs" at top of page then select the Powersport catalog then scroll down to the 2nd or 3 page from bottom. You will need Acrobat Reader.

[F-16Guy]

I was thinking of having mine trued and then welded, that should take care of the pin. Sandraggen, did your Carrillo come with the thrust washers? The bottom "bearing" is a pressed in bushing, right? That's a nice little $65 mark-up, huh? That's about a 37% mark-up from what an individual pays direct, I wonder what a dealer pays for them. Sometimes I can't believe what a ripoff ATV parts are. My buddy bought a pair of triple rate rezzie shocks for his pre-runner F-150 for less than you can get a pair of Axis!! Oh, well, what else am I going to do? Not ride? Yeah, right!

[Sandragggen]

F-16Guy no thrust washers came with the Carrillo. Both ends appear to have pressed in bushings. The bottom uses needle bearings. Perhaps I'm not totally familiar with true and weld term, but doesn't truing mean balancing the crank webs and then welding them so they stay put?

[Sandragggen]

Here's the difference between a Carrillo and stock.

[F-16Guy]

Yeah, that's what I meant. I don't mind having the crank welded, because I don't EVER intend to get into the bottom end again. There's a needle bearing on the bottom end?? That surprises me, I thought most four strokes just used bushings. Makes sense, these new four strokes turn some pretty good R's.