[Gerrad Friedline (Gmfried]

I have been reading Frank Adkin's book on high performance chrysler engines, and he states that although forged or billet crankshafts are heavier and more expensive they may help in main bearing durability through low flexibility. I have read ads for muscle motors selling the 4.00 inch crank for small blocks, and have been interested in the high strength kit. Their kit has 4340 crank, rods, and forged pistons. I know that this kit is much more expensive (2400 for complete bottom end) than the economy kit(1300), but I like the idea of having a safe durable bottom end.

can anyone help me with a decision on this matter? I plan to have a builtup 360 small block, stroked with a 4" crank. I have heard from other books, that the Mopar stock cast cranks are highly capable of holding up. Should I worry about the cast crank and I beam rods for around 500Hp, 500lb/ft? And additionally I was thinking of adding a 100-200Hp shot of juice if ever I need it.

[Dave-R (Roppa440)]

If you really are going for 700hp from a small block then get the best crank you can afford.