Connecting rod material 2024 -351 / 6061 ?

[Billradial]

I am currently working on building a 2 cycle 5 cylinder radial engine. I started off using weed eater cylinders pistons and rods. As I am mocking this up I am realizing I will not be able to use the original connecting rods. I do like their design though. They appear to be simple aluminum with caged roller bearings pressed into each end. I would like to duplicate the design but lengthened . Any advise on what material would be well suited for this purpose. I have seen some posts that say to use 2024 -351 aluminum?
These are 30cc cylinders with approximately 1.25 stroke .
Anyone with advice or experience with this would be appreciated. Thanks !

 

[rklopp]

2024-T3 machines far better and is stronger than 6061-T6. 2024 also makes a better journal bearing against steel. If the original conrods were aluminum, 2024-T3 is probably adequate.

 

[lohring]

The weedeater style engines we race use steel rods that are hardened for needle bearings on both ends. They are available in 50 mm (stock) and 55 mm lengths. This doesn't solve the master rod issue, but the steel rods are very durable even at around double the stock power. Needle bearings are available from the same source. A possible design to get around a master rod uses a spyder, see below.

Lohring Miller

 

[Billradial]

Any thoughts on 2024- 351. You mentioned 2024 t3.
I plan to use press in caged roller bearings so they will not be running on a journal directly.
Thank you.

 

[Billradial]

The weedeater style engines we race use steel rods that are hardened for needle bearings on both ends. They are available in 50 mm (stock) and 55 mm lengths. This doesn't solve the master rod issue, but the steel rods are very durable even at around double the stock power. Needle bearings are available from the same source. A possible design to get around a master rod uses a spyder, see below.

Lohring Miller

You mention a source for steel connecting rods and needle bearings. Can you share that information.
A spider vs a master rod. What are the benefits of either design.
Thanks for all your advice.

 

[lohring]

They and a lot of other similar engine parts are available from Dave's Discount Motors. Click on the blue link here and in the previous post.

Lohring Miller