Small Block & Big Block Chevy Specific - Crankshaft Strength

I am building a sbc for my 2nd gen f-body. The motor will be putting out 500ish to the crank and seeing 6500 rpm off the bottle.

my question is will a steel crankshaft hold up to that kind of horsepower? is a forged crankshaft in my future?

ive just read and heard many different things and wanted your opinion. :bang:

thanks everyone

if your only spinning 6500 rpms and about 500 hp, then a scat cast crank will be fine. anymore than that or spraying i would recommend a forged piece.

thats what i was afraid of.

i do plan on putting it on the spray down the line. just trying to save money.

oh well

i have built 600 hp motors N/A with cast cranks. i would recommend a forged one though. you will be better off down the road.

Friend and i have put together a 406 that spun 6800 RPM and had a 200 shot with a scat cast 9000 piece, lasted a while till the balancer snout broke off.

Friend and i have put together a 406 that spun 6800 RPM and had a 200 shot with a scat cast 9000 piece, lasted a while till the balancer snout broke off.

this is where the dilemma takes place. steel cranks say around 500 ponies max. some say it wont hold. some tell me things like you just did and persuade me.

i know you are very knowledgeable on these kind of things. i know that 406 was laying down more than 500 horse.

how long did the crank last?
i need this build to last me a while

I had a stock crank (cut 10/10) and stock rods (ARP bolts) with TRW pistons in a 406. It was making just shy of 500HP. I ran it for a few seasons and it saw a lot of street miles. I sold it to a guy who continued to run it and then put a plate system to it. I think the key is prep and assembly. The machine shop that built the short block only does race engines (lots of 7 and 8 second cars). Even if you buy the Scat crank, have a good shop check things over and assemble the short block.

this is where the dilemma takes place. steel cranks say around 500 ponies max. some say it wont hold. some tell me things like you just did and persuade me.

i know you are very knowledgeable on these kind of things. i know that 406 was laying down more than 500 horse.

how long did the crank last?
i need this build to last me a while

I will tell you like this, if you are going over 600 HP, dont use one, if you will stay under 600, you should be fine as long as you are doing a lot of street driving and rare track use. Nitrous will eventually break it. Opt for a cheap forged crank, a 5140/4130 piece should be fine for you. Can be had for 380 or so, then there is the delima of spending a mere 100$ extra and get a forged 4340 unit that will last you basically forever.

Not to mention, i hope you are using decent rods.

Not to mention, i hope you are using decent rods.

rods are strong h beams

where can i get a forged crank for 380? everywhere i look is 600+

rods are strong h beams

where can i get a forged crank for 380? everywhere i look is 600+

competition products sells cheaper forged cranks for around 380.

competition products sells cheaper forged cranks for around 380.

Ding!

(not supposed to mention it).

holy hell!?
is this real?

why cant you mention it zone?

Well, they are not a sponsor here, so i really am not supposed to let Ken mention it, BUT, since none of our other sponsors carry THAT particular crankshaft, i can let it slide.

Well, they are not a sponsor here, so i really am not supposed to let Ken mention it, BUT, since none of our other sponsors carry THAT particular crankshaft, i can let it slide.

My bad Zone, did not know that. I apologize.

thanks everybody