Posted by mark dingbaum on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at 4:30PM :
In Reply to: Buying used engine parts posted by Josh on Monday, April 14, 2003 at 3:29PM :
Hi,
The prices on aftermarket cranks and rods are very reasonable now. I think you can find rods for this application for under $500 and a crank for around $800. Now I realize that sounds like a lot, but you'll probably pay $2-400 for core crank and rods that need to be rebuilt. The crank will need a few hundred $$ in work to turn the mains and the counterweights, rods needs resizing, new bolts, etc. The aftermarket parts I'm suggesting are really high quality pieces, much better than the factory stuff.
If this is going to be a high power motor, the factory crank does not hold up well. A friend of mine that bracket races a 650ish hp 440 has been replacing his stock crank every year due to cracks found at inspection time.
If you do buy used parts, buy them with the understanding that you get your money back if they are not rebuildable (not turnable or cracked, whatever). If you are looking for 440 rods, I've got quite a few I'd give away if you want to pay shipping.
Check at www.moparts.org Q&A forum for people who really know these low-deck strokers.
good luck,
mark