Cast vs. Forged crank...really a big diffrence

[AKcharger]

I'm going to turn my wife's 400 into a stroker so question is should I track down a Forged crank or is a cast one just as good?  I know a forged is supposed to be better but with an engine less than 600 HP is a cast OK?

- 400 w/ 440 crank
- 9.5-10.0 to 1 compression
- moderate cam
- cast iron hi-po manifolds with full exhaust and H-pipe
- 3.91 gear
- Possible 6 pack carb set up...depends on how much $ I have

Thanks!

[srpntlair1]

for what you want to do, I would go with a stroker kit from 440 source. thats what i did, dollar for dollar the cheapest and easiest way to go. I personally would not use the HP manifolds or 6 pack set up. may be too restrictive in my opinion though. good luck whichever way you go,

[Ghoste]

If you plan to use a 440 crank, you'll likely find it easier toget a forged one anyway.  For what you want to do, go with the forged.  If you were doing a stock or slightly modified application that already had a cast one, I'd say don't worry about it.  Getting the kit as was mentioned above is probably your best and least expensive route.

[Challenger340]

IMHO.,

Get a forged unit if contemplating the 451 type stroker, or, as mentioned, a "kit".

Is a 451 type, what you're talking about ?  With a "stock" type 440 Cast crank in a 400 block ?

These may be of interest, albeit using a forged unit;

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,22274.0.html

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,23089.0.html

[hemihead]

I don't think it really matters unless you are making some serious Racing HP. Guys get all wound up about a forged crank but it's kind of like the " have to be the bigshot" thing.Some guys feel less of a man if they don't have what everyone else has.Most don't know a Forged crank from a Cast one anyway. Oh and BTW thanks for not saying "Steel" crank. They are all steel.

[Ghoste]

  We Mopar guys are spoiled anyway.  We have few applications that came with a cast crank whereas a LOT of our "competitors" got a cast crank from the factory and when combined with an already weak bottom end... 
It's no wonder some of the much more numerous brand X machines are always crying about the need for forged cranks and four bolt mains and girdles for studs and blocks and on and on and on. (not that those things aren't good, just not needed in a Mopar until further along in the horsepower hunt)

[firefighter3931]

AK, the cost of modifying a 440 crank to fit the 400 block are pretty close to what you will pay for a brand new 4340 forged crank. It's a no brainer to go with a brand new forged unit.  The rotating kits from 440source are an unbelievavble value.....and  you get all new parts. 


The 6-pack and HP manifolds will work fine on a 451....you just need to spec the cam out properly for the build. 




Ron

[AKcharger]

Copy all guys and thanks for the info. Only thing I need to find out about the 4340 kit is shipping cost...the bummer of being back up here in Alaska  :icon_smile_sad Hey does that crank have the counter weights turned down as well so it's a true bolt in?

Any of you guys going to be in Carlise? would love to kick over options in person?

Challenger 340, I'm using you're info as the blueprint for the build...great posts!

Thanks again guys

AK

[firefighter3931]

Challenger 340, I'm using you're info as the blueprint for the build...great posts!

That 451 that Bob built would be excellent for any street car. 

AK, to answer a few of your questions ;

(1) the 451 kit is a drop in for the 400 block....counterweights and mains are the correct size 

(2) There is a balance option available.....i would use this option and have it "ready to go" 

(3) 440source is going to be at Carlisle this year (i checked their show schedule) so you could pre-order the kit and have them bring it there for you....saving shipping costs. 


I will be at Carlisle with member KamstraKuda and bringing some Canadian Brewskies 




Ron

[Big Lebowski]

  Another vote for steel. Cast cranks are for low compression 160 hp turd motors.

[Ghoste]

Oh and BTW thanks for not saying "Steel" crank. They are all steel.

  Another vote for steel.

[AKcharger]

Challenger 340, I'm using you're info as the blueprint for the build...great posts!

(3) 440source is going to be at Carlisle this year (i checked their show schedule) so you could pre-order the kit and have them bring it there for you....saving shipping costs. 


I will be at Carlisle with member KamstraKuda and bringing some Canadian Brewskies 




Ron

Hmmm I wonder how much it weighs??? I'll just bring it home in my luggage!

See ya there

[firefighter3931]

Hmmm I wonder how much it weighs??? I'll just bring it home in my luggage!

See ya there

AK,

Call 440 source and ask them the shipping weight....i'm gonna guess at 100lbs or so....depends on the packaging 

See ya there ! 



Ron

[AKcharger]

I'm going to call 'em Monday, Hey new question...Can I have the block punched .30 over and simply buy .030 over pistons or do I have to "match" the pistons with the bore? My engine is still on the stand right now, I'd need to rush it into the shop if I go that route.

[firefighter3931]

Can I have the block punched .30 over and simply buy .030 over pistons or do I have to "match" the pistons with the bore? My engine is still on the stand right now, I'd need to rush it into the shop if I go that route.

AK, the machine shop will bore it to .030 or close to that spec.....the final fit will come when they finish hone the bores for the piston fit. On a bore that size you will want ~ .006 piston to wall clearance (forged piston) to allow for thermal expansion. Just make sure that the shop knows that your pistons are .030 oversize and maybe verify the spec with 440 source before taking the block in. 

If you're planning to have it balanced (I would) call them soon to allow for lead time because the Carlisle show is fast approaching. It would be nice to have it delivered all ready to go.....then you could just drop it off at the machine shop when you get home. I would also order the main/rod bearings & rings from 440 source while you're at it. Cam bearings too. 



Ron

[AKcharger]

I saw the enitire kit for $1500...that will work