Forged or Cast Crankshaft?

timd02 · 03-09-2009, 12:32 AM

I am looking into building a SMC for my 75 coupe. I have read about different cranks but still haven't found any definitive answers as to what type of crank to go with. I am wanting to build something around 400 HP for a weekend driver. I want good components but don't want to break the bank either. I will be cruising mostly but would like to have some get up and go when I want it. Anyone have any suggestions/experiences with this?

PuddleJumper · 03-09-2009, 03:14 PM

i would personaly go with forged but that's me

IcemanZ06 · 03-09-2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timd02

I am looking into building a SMC for my 75 coupe. I have read about different cranks but still haven't found any definitive answers as to what type of crank to go with. I am wanting to build something around 400 HP for a weekend driver. I want good components but don't want to break the bank either. I will be cruising mostly but would like to have some get up and go when I want it. Anyone have any suggestions/experiences with this?

You'll be fine with a cast crank if you are only shooting for 400hp. If you are planning to go above that or spray/forced induction than you'll need the forged assembly.

Eagle and Scat make some nice cast cranks and kits. Pick up an internally balanced kit if you can.

gkull · 03-09-2009, 10:23 PM

New internally balanced forged cranks and rotating kits are so plentiful now that there is reason to not use them.

ZLX · 03-10-2009, 01:43 AM

60's vintage forged GM factory cranks were made from 5140 steel..
at the 400hp level... yes cast will work..

However..

Ohio Crankshaft has 5140 forged cranks for around $400...new
They were a supplier of Viper Crankshafts..so OEM quality..
don't really know why you wouldn't do this.. or buy a .010 used forged crank here, on RacingJunk, or Fleabay, etc.

You could likely score a used/forged crank for $200 or less...
between a used forged and new cast I'd take the used forged.

BLOCKMAN · 03-10-2009, 11:08 AM

It depends on the quality of your build you want and how much money you have to spend.

All our builds we use the Callies Compstar cranks as they come through straight, round journals, and flat journals, 1/8 inch radius and for 675.00 they are truely a good crank.

I can buy 4340 cranks for 325 a peice but is hard to fit bearings to tapered and out of round journals