Connecting Rods Installed Backwards

[Irish Pride]

The engine in my 1989 has 3 Connecting Rods installed backwards. This is the 3.3 High Compression engine built by FPS back in the day. I discovered this two years ago when I did the rod bearings and noticed that 3 of the caps had to go on opposite the other 3. This engine has been this way for years. I've had the car since 2011 and have put 30k or more on it since I bought it. I know that the pistons are installed correct because I had the heads off shortly after I bought it to install different heads. My guess is that whatever ******* at FPS assembled the pistons did them identical all in a row and then when they assembled the engine they rotated 3 so that the pistons would be in correct. The car pulls like a beast and the old bearings didn't show much wear at all. My question is, does it really matter which way the rods are facing?

 

[luigisho]

I haven't had a reason to stare at them so.. are the rods symmetrical? Even if they are, I would think about possible crank wear by having the bottom contact area reversed. But that is not a definitive answer. Not sure if anyone has done this and caught it.

 

[black92]

I ran into this recently while I was inspecting the bottom end of a motor.
I do recall the oil hole in the rod is not centered, nor is the rod cap.
I also discovered the pistons installed incorrectly (left and right banks switched)
My crank, rods and bearings looked good. I reassembled the engine and hoping for the best.

 

[SHOCH]

Shakedown June 3rd.