Just wondering which crank I should get for my 383 and the differences between internal and external balancing. I need to know the pros and cons. And which balancer and flexplates should I get for either internal or external? Would I need a different balancer for an internal crank or for an external crank? I want to get the best crank possible. If anyone knows more on this subject please fill me in. Thanks a ton in advance!!

-Erik

 

One-piece or two-piece rear main seal?

Either way, if externally balanced, you need a a weighted external-balance damper and flexplate, such as used with factory 400 SBCs. If internally balanced, neturally balanced damper and flexplate.

One-piece rear main seal flexplates have a weight on them, but that's just to take the place of the counterweight that was part of the crank on two-piece rear mains seal cranks. It's still an internally-balanced flexplate.

An internally-balanced stroker crank certainly makes life easier with regard to choices in parts. But, in the end, neither runs better than the other.

If you want the best crank possible, find the most expensive one out there. It'll probably be a billet piece. And probably completely unnecessary.

 

Man, you sure do know your stuff. That information you provided me was very imformative and I can use every bit of it. I have a 2 piece style block. I just bought a set of Eagle Forged H-Beam ESP 5.7 rods and Speedpro powerfordged 383 pistons. Could you reccommend a specific interally balanced crank that I should use please? Also, do you think it would be totally necessary to have the entire rotating assembly balanced? The reason I ask is because I am buying all brand new parts... if that matters? Thanks for the replys.

-Erik

 

Try searching on Summit Racing - High Performance Car and Truck Parts | 800-230-3030 - online store, engine components, crankshafts, Chevrolet, 2-piece seal, stroker crank, 5.7" rods, internal balance, etc. You'll see cast steel units for around $300, forged for $630-up. To be honest with you, I can't tell you which one is "best" - I've heard people complain about Scat & Eagle, although from what I've gathered it was QA problems getting Chinese suppliers up to snuff, and is no longer a problem (a magazine article I saw several months ago quoted a performance engine shop saying a few years ago, he'd accept 1 out of 20 cranks, today it's practically 100%). Most anything you get is going to start from overseas, so I don't think you can reject any of them on that basis. The forged ones would be better than the cast steel ones, but the cast steel would probably handle your typical street engine without any problems whatsoever.

When you get all of the rotating pieces together, have it all balanced. It's well worth it.

 

five7kid - Thank you a lot for the information. I have been looking around Jegs and Summit and I have found a few cranks that may be suitable. When I get everything together I'll let ya know how it goes. Thanks again for the insite.

-Erik