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LS3 Iron Crank?

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Old 07-29-2014, 10:12 PM
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Firestillon
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Default LS3 Iron Crank?

Hi guys.
Thinking of changing out my 2000 C5 engine. LS1 currently has a A&A supercharger and headers. The trains is a 2004 Z01 as is the rear diff. I was dispointed to see that the 525 hp LS3 has a iron crank in it. If I buy and change the engine and add the blower back on and a 4:10 gear with a progressive Nos system. Will it hold up? Thinking of the 525 Hp unit. I hate to go the extra $$ for the LSX but will if its thought of as best.
Thanks.
Old 07-30-2014, 01:12 AM
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RonSSNova
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How often have you heard of a crank breaking?
It's rare even for bottom feeder cast cranks
Old 07-31-2014, 12:55 AM
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C5Natie
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The LS3 crank is nodular iron and very strong. Stock cranks are surviving just fine on may 800+hp cars. I kept the stock crank at 610/575 to the wheels with more to come. No issues here.
Old 07-31-2014, 12:30 PM
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RCFC5
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As long as you don't have any detonation you should be ok, I had a blower on a 500 hp lt1 that I tore down for a stroker rebuild and the crankshaft was cracked, I went with a forged crank on the rebuild to be safe
Old 07-31-2014, 02:14 PM
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zeevette
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It's not the crank you should worry about. Using a crate engine, unless forged, and lower compression built specifically for FI, is not your best value/idea. I'd think about a forged piston/rods shortblock, built for the boost you plan on using. You can order the correct CR with whatever heads you want, including your present ones.

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