
Depending on the year and manufacturer, the cast crank may have raised numbers or letters. A forged piece will have any ID marks stamped in. Many people will tell you that tapping a forged crank will make a sound "like a ringing bell," where a cast crank will be a dull thud.
What is the strength of a forged crank?
Factory forged cranks are made from steels such as 1010, 1045, and 1053, which have a tensile strength of 100,000-110,000 psi. The tensile ratings are similar to cast-steel but the elongation rating is more than triple. This makes the forging less brittle. Aftermarket steel cranks are made in 5140, 4130, 4140 and 4340 alloys.
What is the difference between cast and Forged cranks?
Unlike a casting though, the forging requires more machining and finishing steps which, in conjunction with material costs, creates a more expensive part to make. Cast iron cranks achieve a tensile strength of 70,000-80,000 psi and by adding additional carbon to the iron gives us nodular iron, which comes in a little higher at around 95,000 psi.
How do you forge a crankshaft?
Since forged cranks are pressed into place on a die there are two different methods used to accomplish this. The easiest method is to forge one crank throw at a time in a flat forging die. The crank is then twisted, and the die forges the next throw.
What are forged crankshafts made of?
Forged crankshafts are produced in many different strength ranges depending on the material. Factory forged cranks are made from steels such as 1010, 1045, and 1053, which have a tensile strength of 100,000-110,000 psi. The tensile ratings are similar to cast-steel but the elongation rating is more than triple.

How do you know if its a cast or forged?
When something is cast, the material is heated above its melting temperature and poured into a mold where it solidifies. When something is forged it is physically forced into shape while remaining in a solid state – although it is frequently heated.
What is the difference between a forged crankshaft?
A forged crank's counterweights (left) will generally have a rougher look with rounded edges, while a cast crank (right) by comparison will show sharp, well-defined edges. Crank MaterialsIn addition to cast or forged, material quality also separates the different grades of crankshafts.
What are the 2 major differences between cast and forged crankshafts?
The term forged crank has become all but generic, but the differences can be as significant as those between a casting and forging itself. For the uninitiated, the two major differences between cast and forged cranks include the material and forming process.
How can you tell if a crankshaft is a cast?
0:082:31Telling a Forged crank vs. cast crank - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA lot of people will tell you two methods well two ways of finding out one a cast crank will have aMoreA lot of people will tell you two methods well two ways of finding out one a cast crank will have a very thin parting line on the counterweight.
How can you tell if steel is forged?
1:466:52IS IT CAST IRON OR CAST STEEL? 5 Ways To identify Before WeldingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat this material is the first one we're gonna cover it was easy it said right on the label what itMoreWhat this material is the first one we're gonna cover it was easy it said right on the label what it was he said it was cast-iron. But if the part doesn't say cast-iron on it you're gonna have to
Is a forged crankshaft stronger than a cast crankshaft?
"The metal bar used in a billet crank of the same stroke is much larger, at roughly 8 inches, weighing 350 lbs compared to 150 lbs in a forged crank....MATERIAL:TENSILE STRENGTH:RATING:Cast steel105,000 psistrongest of the cast cranks1010/1045/1053100,000-110,000 psihigh-carbon factory-grade forging5 more rows•Sep 12, 2007
How do I know what crankset I have?
If you're unsure about how to identify your specific crank, you can snap some photos of both sides of the crank and write down any information written on the crank itself and we can help you identify if you have a compatible crank model.
How can you tell if steel is cast?
The specimen can be grinded using an abrasive wheel and looking at the spark pattern and spark color, an experienced person can inform if the material is Cast iron or cast steel. Steel will most often give off bright yellow sparks, whereas iron produces more of red or orange sparks.
What is the strongest crankshaft?
At the highest level, what you'd see in most heads-up race cars and wild power adder applications, is billet 4340 steel, which is considered to be the strongest and most expensive. Billet cranks are literally carved from a solid chunk of steel.
Which is stronger forged or cast steel?
Forged steel is generally stronger and more reliable than castings and plate steel due to the fact that the grain flows of the steel are altered, conforming to the shape of the part. The advantages of forging include: Generally tougher than alternatives. Will handle impact better than castings.
Are connecting rods forged or cast?
Connecting rods are typed by the process used to manufacture the rods. The process of making forged connecting rods constitutes forcing the grain of the selected material, such as a steel alloy, in the specified shape of the rod.
How do you identify an Eagle crankshaft?
Since about 2003, all Eagle 4340 cranks have had the Eagle logo on the face of the first counterweight. The identifying marks to look for can be in one of two different places. You will find two lines of numbers resembling the ones shown here. These will identify the material and application information.
How to tell if crank is forged?
The best and most sure method for recognizing a forged crank is to look for the parting lines on the counterweights. A forged piece will have a wide, irregular rough patch. A cast component (shown) will have a very sharp, well-defined line where the mold was separated.
What does tapping a forged crank sound like?
A forged piece will have any ID marks stamped in. Many people will tell you that tapping a forged crank will make a sound "like a ringing bell, " where a cast crank will be a dull thud. This isn't exactly true.
Does Chrysler use cast or forged parts?
Chrysler, like most of the big American car companies, used both forged and cast components in its engines over the years, and it can be confusing trying to figure out which you've got in your block, or what to buy off a swap-meet tarp. Forging, the process of hammering hot steel into shape, results in a more densely packed metal as opposed ...
Does a cast crank still ring?
This isn' t exactly true. A cast crank still rings, just not as clearly, so unless you've got perfect pitch, or two cranks to compare, you might want to stick to one of the other ID methods. By the way, if you're really getting a dull thud, you should probably have that piece Magnafluxed for cracks. See all 3 photos.
What is the difference between forged crank and cast crank?
Forged Crank on left, Cast Crank on right. Notice on the cast crank on the right the center lobe is rectangular, coming straight off the centerline of the crank, while the forged crank on the left has a more rounded center lobe.
What is the difference between a 91-92 and a 93-99 crank?
1) The 91-92 cast cranks have casting seams along some of the surfaces - the 93-99 forged cranks do not have these seams. 2) The 91-92 cast cranks' center balancing lobe is rectangular coming straight out of the center of the crank - the 93-99 forged cranks' center balancing lobe is rounded, like a big teardrop shape.
Is the cast crank for a 3000GT?
As of several years ago, the cast crank is no longer an available option through Mitsubishi, making the stronger forged crank the only available crank for the DOH C 3000GT/Stealth (whether turbo or not). The current forged crank is "backwards compatible", working in all years of the DOHC 3000GT/Stealth engines.
Is a forged crank backwards compatible?
The current forged crank is "backwards compatible", working in all years of the DOHC 3000GT/Stealth engines. NOTE: The SOHC 3000GT and Stealth carry different part numbers for their crankshafts, and use a physically different crankshaft. The cast and forged cranks are actually very easy to tell apart. There are two distinguishing factors that ...
What is a forged crank made of?
Forged crankshafts are produced in many different strength ranges depending on the material. Factory forged cranks are made from steels such as 1010, 1045, and 1053, ...
What is the tensile of a cast steel crankshaft?
A number of aftermarket manufacturers produce cast steel crankshafts which have an even greater carbon content and are rated at a tensile of about 105,000-110,000, which makes them more dependable for higher output and stroker applications.
What is the tensile strength of a 5140 crank?
Aftermarket steel cranks are made in 5140, 4130, 4140 and 4340 alloys. The basic aftermarket grade steel is 5140 and has a tensile strength of about 115,000 psi.
How are forgings made?
Forgings are made by placing a heated piece of billet into multi-ton presses that then compress it into shape with forging dies. Unlike a casting though, the forging requires more machining and finishing steps which, in conjunction with material costs, creates a more expensive part to make.
What is the bobweight of a 3.796 piston?
The pistons are a 3.796 bore, thin ring stack, I-beam rods and chamfered rod bearings. Depending on the brand, this combo should have a bobweight of around 1590 to 1610. Engine two is a 377 cube for a street rod with 4.155˝ bore pistons, thicker ring stack, H beam rods and chamfered bearings.
How does counterweight shape affect bearing load?
Counterweight shape and location affects the main bearing loads and balance of the crank. Bearing load is self-explanatory but balancing is an area of variables. Crankshaft manufacturers do an excellent job of providing products that can usually be balanced fairly easy around a specific bobweight target.
What are some ways to increase crankshaft strength?
Oiling and Heat Treatments. There are a number of treatments that can be performed to relieve stress and also increase the strength level of a crankshaft. They can be chemical, vibratory, cryogenic, heated, etc. but we’ll discuss the two most widely in use at this time – induction hardening and nitriding.
