I was looking at the rod closer and noticed the top part was brown then as you look down it turns black and is silver at the bearing. Is this normal? Or do I have to replace the rod and bearing?

 

Yeah, the rod deal is normal. At least every one of my connecting rods on a top end change has been that way. I can't explain why though. I reviewed all for your info on settings...etc all seemed correct, however a 180 main is a big jet (that is assuming the engine size is no more than an over bore) What does the plug look like and were you running wide open, top end for a bit when she let go? Was there any damage like chunks or deep nicks in the rings at all? Piston scoring is normal, but without a hole in the piston or broken rings it almost sounds like some kind of weird compression bind. I would love to help you with the engine size but I am out of town (By the way, ignore my post times. I am not some weird late night sketch. I am just 3 hours West of you for a while.) Once I get back, we can get that CC figured out if the other ‘R’ bros haven’t got for you by then.

Also, I think there is also a way to measure the play in the lower end bearing on the rod at this point to get some insight of her status down there.

 

hey man if your interested on trading the R for a 350x mabe ill trade my 350x.