348 stroker questions

[427John]

I'm planning a 348 stroker build for use in a 64 chevy 4 wheel drive pickup and trying to get some questions answered,having read some of the posts on here regarding this it seems that the stroker cranks available don't balance without heavy metal,so the questions I have are:1. can the 348 block be clearanced to allow the use of 454 crank without cutdown counterweights,I realize it will be a lot of metal removal is there enough there to do it and maintain integrity.2.Since this will be seeing a max of 5000-5500 rpm,is there any reason not to use external balance other than the requirement of using specific flywheel and damper.3.I hope to use icon pistons and stock bbc rods,does anyone know if any combination of larger counterweights,and external balance will allow balance without heavy metal,also does anyone know what the max. bobweight available stoker cranks will balance with using 454 flywheel and 400 type damper.This build will not at all be for high rpm use,I'm going for torque to turn the big tires and old rockwell tcase and old eaton 3/4 ton axles.

 

[303Radar]

Before getting a 454 crankshaft machined, check the machining price. You might be better off with a 4" crank specifically designed for the 348/409. In a 348 block, some notching of the block where the pan is bolted on will be needed. This is the route I took.

Here is a link from Summit showing the options for 4" stroker for a 348/409 block:
http://www.summitracing.com/search/...-w-engines?SortBy=Default&SortOrder=Ascending

I know some folks have had better luck than others with Eagle and prefer Scat, but I'll let them speak for their own experience.

Another cost effect option for low end torque is to use a 409 crank in a 348 block. Much less clearance problems.

Good luck!

 

[427John]

Radar,
Did you have to use heavy metal to get your crank to balance?What rod piston combo did you use?

 

[models916]

Any time the crank rod piston combo is changed, it will have to be balanced. Heavy metal is the way to go. External balance damper and flex plate are an option to cut down on some of the metal. Just part of the game. Only the 348 or 409 crank with fit the block with out mods to the counter weights. Big torque and hp with the 4" stroke cranks from Eagle or Scatt that are already cut for the W block.

 

[427John]

I was thinking the icon piston with 333 heads would give a good pump gas friendly compression ratio.I was also thinking if the 348 block is able to be clearanced for the 454 counterweights then the machining would be limited to main journals and front snout,with added advantage of larger counterweights possibly allowing balance without heavy metal.I have seen multiple cases where added weight came loose inside a running engine,it may have been due to faulty work but leaves me feeling I would rather avoid it if at all possible.

 

[pnorb409]

Sounds like an cool build. I've often daydreamed of doing a w engine in a 4wd. Have any pictures of the truck?

 

[jr.W]

When using heavy metal to balance with make sure the shop
puts the pins in the side of the counter weight not the end.
Putting them in the end is disaster weighting to happen.

 

[427John]

Sounds like an cool build. I've often daydreamed of doing a w engine in a 4wd. Have any pictures of the truck?

Its not much to look at,but I'll see if I can find a picture to post.I'd use the term it's just an ol' farmtruck but I might get sued.It currently has a 454 keeping the engine bay warm.On that note if anyone is swapping a bbc into a 60-66 chevy pickup with manual trans wanting to keep the stock v-8 clutch linkage and is wondering what to do for exhaust 1 bolt on answer is bbc corvette exhaust manifolds they easily clear the forward mount z-bar.Dorman makes replacement 2.5 outlet manifolds for that app.It will require trimming the upper web of the framerail slightly,but not even a 1/4 the width of the web

 

[models916]

You should be looking for a new machine shop if yours puts the metal in the end of the spinning counter weight. Again, 396 427 454 crank counter weights have to be cut to fit the block. Using longer rods allows the pin to move up and results in shorter skirt which weighs less. This kind of build has been done since the mid 60's. There are no short cuts.

 

[Carmine]

My experience was very limited with my 348. I let the machine shop do the figuring. We put a 454 crank in and I know there was some machining involved. Used BBC rods and had special pistons made for $100.00 each. Wasn't a cheap build but it does run well, Carmine.

 

[303Radar]

Radar,
Did you have to use heavy metal to get your crank to balance?What rod piston combo did you use?

Regarding the balancing, I don't know what was done to the Eagle crank.
Here are a couple of threads talking about piston and rod combos:
http://www.348-409.com/forum/threads/piston-con-rod-options-for-stock-stroke-409.31587/
http://www.348-409.com/forum/threads/passenger-block-options.31639/
http://www.348-409.com/forum/threads/348-with-396-427-crank.32102/

There are a few build threads which talk about specific components and power ratings/expectations you'll want to search the site for.

Another good resource is Show Cars. They specialize in parts and rebuild packages for our engines.
http://www.show-cars.com/

And possibly the fastest most reliable option for a rebuild would be to ship the block and a check to
http://409chevyperformance.com/

Not sure why I forget about Lamar Walden as well:
http://www.lamarwaldenautomotive.com/

Good luck and happy researching!

 

[sycsteve]

I just got my 348 stroker back from the shop. I bought the eagle 4'' crank and I'm having issues with the pan hitting the front studs. It looks like it may hit the counter weight if I cut the studs down too.
The Eagle crank is not balanced from the factory according to my machinist. I bought the KB Icon .60 over pistons and H beam rods. All from show cars. Full assembly and other parts were around $2400 not including machining to the crank and block. They just had to machine the block slightly to clear the counter weights.
Anyone know if the 6 qt pan will clear or the Stef's aluminum pan?

 

[sycsteve]

That is the stock pan. I was told it will not work and I need the aftermarket one.

 

[BSL409]

They used the wrong length studs I had 4" stroker crank and 4 bolt mains with studs and used my stock 409 truck pan

 

[sycsteve]

They used the wrong length studs I had 4" stroker crank and 4 bolt mains with studs and used my stock 409 truck pan

I built a stroked 348. I bought the studs from show cars.

 

[303Radar]

To get a stock 348 pan to clear the stroke, you'll need a high precision hammer. Several taps rather than a big swing in well placed locations will do the job.

 

[63 dream'n]

A long time ago member Ronnie Russell advised that the Chrysler 392 main studs are the trick.......

 

[sycsteve]

To get a stock 348 pan to clear the stroke, you'll need a high precision hammer. Several taps rather than a big swing in well placed locations will do the job.

That's what Ron said on my build thread Too lol. I considered cutting and welding in new sections to make it look nice if I don't buy the new pan.
Could just buy this pan if you want to spend the dough. Same people as Show Cars just on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400755180137?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[BSL409]

I built a stroked 348. I bought the studs from show cars.

Then just cut the studs down. the new pan you are looking i believe will still not fit with the studs the way they are

 

[Carmine]

Don't know if I understand this properly, but why wouldn't you use either the stock or ARP bolts?? Why studs?? Seems the bolts would eliminate the issue, Carmine.