400 crank

[Lizardracing]

Sorry of this is a simplistic question. Is the stock 400 crank considered good for an estimated 550hp/7000 rpm circle track use? If not does the external balance engines have reliability problems with the bert/brinn/falcons type transmission that don't use a flexplate?

[Alan Roehrich]

No, they really are not. Some people get by with it, at least for a while.

External balance in a race engine should only be done if required by the rules.

[Adger Smith]

I've done it before and got by, but if the rules allow you change to an aftermarket crank.

[user-z68766209]

If you must use the stock 400 crank in a race app.
Mag first then
Find a good crank grinder go .020 on the rods with a good radius
replace every season.

[Lizardracing]

Thank you everyone as I do not have to have a stock crankshaft so aftermarket it is. There is a good deal on a Ford crankshaft with 350 Mains if the main bearing are inexpensive enough.

[Lizardracing]

Oops...Editing because I didn't want to seem dumb. I don't know of any ford cranks that fit in chevy's.
I found a good deal on a forged crank with 350 mains but it wasn't in as is usable shape so I'll go aftermarket with 2.65 mains journals.

[bradleyent]

Bert has an externally balanced flywheel available for externally balanced engines. The bert part number is 318-400. Do not use a "hatchet" behind the coupler. The coupler will not seat correctly onto the crankshaft. Also do not mix the 400 one up with the crate motor externally balanced part number 311-nc-ext. The price of the externally balanced flywheel will almost pay for the balance job.

[Lizardracing]

Thats great info. Thanks for saving my ass.