Lightened crank

[1SloEvo]

So, I just finished tearing down my 6 bolt. It's going to go back together with the original rods and a new set of stock pistons and rings. I'm planning to run the 14b (as maxxed out as I can go) and then probably a 16g, fp68hta and on up. My question right now is should I have the crank lightened, knife edged, etc? I have never really done much with building the bottom end of a motor or any machine work done on a crank. Wanted to get some input from those who have first hand experience. Please post a reason as to why you feel the way you do when responding! TIA

 

[BogusSVO]

I think you are refering to a "Butcher" crank set up. (They may be a supporting Vendor that sells them)

There are pros and cons to it.

What are your goals, not that high I would have to guess since you want to run stock rods/pistons.

 

[1SloEvo]

I'm referring to having my own crank lightened by a machine shop, not buying a "Butcher" crank. And it states my goals in the thread. 14b as maxxed out as possible. Then I'm hoping to go 16g, fp68hta and then on up to a t3 turbo from there. All this will be for drag racing (it will still see an occasional street drive).

 

[e85_4g63]

The answer to the question of whether or not you "should" knife edge your crank is up to you and your budget. If you can afford it, then YES. Knifed edged cranks have been around for a long time. They're proven to reduce windage, which in turn, free's up horsepower. If you can't afford it, then NO.

 

[bryanwheat]

In my opinion it is not worth the time and money for what you are trying to accomplish. Spend the money on a fuel system or dsmlink, it will benefit you a lot more in the long run.

 

[agentorange313]

In my opinion it is not worth the time and money for what you are trying to accomplish. Spend the money on a fuel system or dsmlink, it will benefit you a lot more in the long run.

This is a good point, the cost of a "butcher" or "knife edge" crank will net you overall less HP than lets say spending it on a supporting fuel system for that larger turbo.

If you can afford one, thats awesome, but I can think of better options to spend you money on:
Tires
Suspension
Mounts
Bushings
Tuning Solution

 

[BogusSVO]

Well, at machine shop prices nowadays, buying a "Butcher" crank would probly end up cheaper than having yours done.

Add up the cost of having yours knifed edged, ground/polished then balanced

With the stock rod/piston combo, you will be limited to 350-400 hp unless you are a super tuner.

 

[dsmusmc]

Tim Zimmer bent his cut crank at 600hp and jump roped his bearings. He has been running an uncut crank at 1000hp without a problem.

 

[1SloEvo]

Tim Zimmer bent his cut crank at 600hp and jump roped his bearings. He has been running an uncut crank at 1000hp without a problem.

Thanks for the information.

As far as the rest of the mods go, the car will hopefully be running for the 14b record next spring/summer. So suspension, fuel mods, and all that will be taken care of. AEM EMS, at least AGX with good springs, and a fuel cell (probably on E85) with all the fuel I could ever need.