Hey, we're already up to 4.375" I was just wondering out loud about the 4.5" crank
because it's only recently become available as a "budget crank". Dram builds race engines for a living, so judging by his response maybe there is a lot more involved that drives the budget up even higher. I couldn't help but think about a 455" Pontiac engine. Long stroke 4.210" X small bore 4.150". A tons of torque low RPM motor.
If we're only talking custom pistons, external oiling, and some block grinding doesn't sound like a giant amount of $$$ to me. Maybe you spend the $$$ there and don't do a roller cam setup? Anyway, I know the thread was about 700HP/on a tight budget. Anyway, great thread Andy, you could put the 4.5" down as an "option"