So, I belive I'm about to come into ownership of a chevy 350 small block in relatively good condition. However, the one downside is that it doesn't have a crank shaft, heads, or any of that other fun stuff.

I plan on using this engine (assuming it isn't cracked and otherwise messed up) for high performance pro-street running on E85 (or even E100), at healthy RPMs and possibly blown (not necessarily, but likely in the near future).

The question I have is should I go with a stock crank out of another SBC, or should I look for a high performance aftermarket crank and have it machined to fit? If I should go with the aftermarket, does anyone have any reccommended brands, or places with comparisons of one crank to another?

The first thing you need to do is determine exactly what you're going to build Before you spend any money. Not trying to be mean, but this will lead to spending more money. If you get a good used stock crank, and then decide to install a supercharger and make good power you're either going to have to buy a better crank at that point, or possibly break what you have and have to fix everything. Once you go through what you think you want to build, do a budget for all of the parts it will take. Now add at least 20% If that isn't realistic than figure out what you can afford to spend and build accordingly.

www.enginekits.com

Would there be any reason not to go with a well forged aftermarket crank that could be used for a mellow blown engine in the future?

My two options are buy a new good aftermarket crank (which I can afford, assuming I get it off the enginekits.com page) or scrounge a stock crank (meh, stock). Unless I'm mistaken a strong aftermarket crank could be used on both a naturally aspirated or a blown application, no?

build what you can stand at this time, money buys horsepower, if it was me go for a motor that has a lot of bottom end. gear it right you will never be disapointed. just some thoughts from a old skool saturday night cruiser. Wormy

[QUOTE=MCsommerreid]Would there be any reason not to go with a well forged aftermarket crank that could be used for a mellow blown engine in the future?

QUOTE]


Other than your initial investment no. With that being said there will be other changes if you decide to supercharge (Pistons, rods, cam, etc)