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Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains #2862252
12/19/20 06:24 PM
12/19/20 06:24 PM
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challenger451ci Offline OP
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Has anyone had an Indy Maxx Aluminum block machined from 400 Mains to RB Mains? The limited crank and bearing offerings for B mains has me thinking I might need to bite the bullet and open the mains to RB size. Is it just a matter of line boring the housings? The bearing tang reliefs look like they're plenty deep in the block and the caps. Anything need to be done with the rear main seal? B and RB take the same seal, right?

Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: challenger451ci] #2862323
12/19/20 08:51 PM
12/19/20 08:51 PM
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birdtracker Offline
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yes my low deck Indy Maxx block has 440 mains. It was that way when I got it. Birdtracker

Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: birdtracker] #2862458
12/20/20 09:00 AM
12/20/20 09:00 AM
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fbs63 Offline
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Yes its just a matter of line bore and hone. Make sure a competent shop does it.

Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: fbs63] #2862467
12/20/20 10:10 AM
12/20/20 10:10 AM
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challenger451ci Offline OP
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I figured it could be done with the right tooling and knowledge. I'm hoping I don't need to change the crank, but trying to think ahead if I do. I should have never went with Low deck mains!!

Thanks for the help.

Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: challenger451ci] #2862477
12/20/20 10:35 AM
12/20/20 10:35 AM
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I say you’re better off with what you have. You may have some limitations on desired bearings, but it’s not like you can’t get good bearings that will work.
It is desirable to have a smaller diameter bearing for high rpm use. You can have a wider variety of choices of crankshafts. Any rb main can be turned down to “fresh” b diameter. You also have the assurance that you have thicker bulkheads and caps. Finally, if it were to come to an instance of damage to your mains (spun bearing etc...) you could go to the rb size to save the block.
I would say you have the best options with what you have now.


"use it 'till it breaks, replace as needed"
Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: challenger451ci] #2862481
12/20/20 10:40 AM
12/20/20 10:40 AM
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Originally Posted by challenger451ci
I figured it could be done with the right tooling and knowledge. I'm hoping I don't need to change the crank, but trying to think ahead if I do. I should have never went with Low deck mains!!

Thanks for the help.

There is another option. Call Crower, Callies, Winberg, get thier opinion on the strength of a superior crank with small mains. Depending on your goals, options available might be worth some power. I notice that engines like the new Ford Coyote and some LS (?) motors with aluminum blocks come with center wieghted cranks. Might be worth some power in an aluminum block. Also knife edging, etc.


8..603 156 mph best, 2905 lbs 549, indy 572-13, alky
Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: challenger451ci] #2862540
12/20/20 02:07 PM
12/20/20 02:07 PM
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Bend,OR USA
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I see more full groove main bearings available now for B blocks than RB blocks shruggy scope
I like and use the Federal Mogul /Seal Power/ Speed Pro HD truck narrow full groove main bearings up


Mr.Cab Racing and winning with Mopars since 1964. (Old F--t, Huh)
Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: Cab_Burge] #2862670
12/20/20 07:04 PM
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cudaman1969 Online sleepy
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Thought mega blocks had 440 mains, mine does

Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: cudaman1969] #2862675
12/20/20 07:16 PM
12/20/20 07:16 PM
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Originally Posted by cudaman1969
Thought mega blocks had 440 mains, mine does


My Indy Maxx low deck came with 440 mains. Must be an option when its ordered?

Last edited by cl440; 12/20/20 07:17 PM.
Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: cudaman1969] #2862697
12/20/20 08:39 PM
12/20/20 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by cudaman1969
Thought mega blocks had 440 mains, mine does

They do, you are correct up
I don't like using the Hemi main bearings due to the wider full groove and the extra oil clearances with them hence me using the H.D. narrow full groove main bearings in both the RB and B motor blocks I build and use scope


Mr.Cab Racing and winning with Mopars since 1964. (Old F--t, Huh)
Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: Cab_Burge] #2864040
12/23/20 07:57 PM
12/23/20 07:57 PM
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challenger451ci Offline OP
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Thanks for the replies everyone. I've been looking for a 4.15 stroke, Callies crank with 400 mains and 2.200 rod journals with no luck. I haven't called them, but Indy doesn't list one in their newer price list. As mentioned above, I'm sure I can get a new crank cut to 400 mains and 2.200 rods if need be. I was just trying to avoid that if possible.
Does Sealed Power/Federal Mogul have enough chamfer to clear the fillet on the journals? I'm pretty sure I tried them and ended up using Hughes chamfered Clevite bearings when I first put the motor together to get enough clearance. The crank I have now is a Molnar. I talked to King and they recommended I don't use their 400 main bearings with nitrous. They told me I'm better off with a steel backed Clevite.

Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: challenger451ci] #2864045
12/23/20 08:16 PM
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call Ohio Crankshaft and ask for Chip. Tell him what you want. They have cranks in stock both 4.150 and 4.250 that will take alot of horsepower. 440 mains and they have King bearings.. Birdtracker

Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: challenger451ci] #2864046
12/23/20 08:17 PM
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opening up the mains to fit RB brearings is one thing, but then you have to cut the counterweights down on a RB crank to clear.

Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: birdtracker] #2864170
12/24/20 01:05 AM
12/24/20 01:05 AM
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challenger451ci Offline OP
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Originally Posted by birdtracker
call Ohio Crankshaft and ask for Chip. Tell him what you want. They have cranks in stock both 4.150 and 4.250 that will take alot of horsepower. 440 mains and they have King bearings.. Birdtracker


I saw they have billet blown alcohol cranks listed on their website. Also said they will cut to spec. Pretty reasonable price too. I'll give them a call if I need to replace this crank. Thanks!

Only bearing in the motor that is junk is #4 main bearing. That journal has about 0.0008" T.I.R. when I spin the crank in the block.

Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: challenger451ci] #2864210
12/24/20 09:10 AM
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they do everything in house. They line bore also! By going to the 440 mains the bearing selection is alot more. Birdtracker

Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: birdtracker] #2864283
12/24/20 12:34 PM
12/24/20 12:34 PM
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challenger451ci Offline OP
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Originally Posted by birdtracker
they do everything in house. They line bore also! By going to the 440 mains the bearing selection is alot more. Birdtracker


Very good! I had Ohio fix a couple Chebby cranks in the past and was very happy with the way they came out. I've been talking to Weston Machine in NJ about bushing the lifter bores for me and I figure they can do the mains while it's there.

Re: Machining Indy Maxx Block for 440 Mains [Re: challenger451ci] #2864310
12/24/20 01:38 PM
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cudaman1969 Online sleepy
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Originally Posted by challenger451ci
Originally Posted by birdtracker
they do everything in house. They line bore also! By going to the 440 mains the bearing selection is alot more. Birdtracker


Very good! I had Ohio fix a couple Chebby cranks in the past and was very happy with the way they came out. I've been talking to Weston Machine in NJ about bushing the lifter bores for me and I figure they can do the mains while it's there.

Ohio crank fixed the thrust surface on mine for $200, their crank too. Quick turn around too







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