Probably has been talked about before on here, I did search and was unable to find exactly what I'm trying to figure out. So here goes:

#1 - What would be the min clearance between crank balance weights/bellows/throws whatever you want to call them and the girdle? My smallest gap is still slightly over .030. Seems the best fit I get is when I have the studs in for the oil pan and move the girdle in the clearance holes of the studs all the way to the front of the block. Anyone use shim stock when torquing the nuts to prevent it from shifting?

#2 - Just how flat and what kind of fit do you really need with the shim packs under the plate on the studs? I have it where I measure it out to be. I laid the girdle on, put the nuts on and just hand snugged them. Went around the girdle between the oil pan rail and girdle and only 2 spots could i get a .0015 feeler gauge in. But the shims seemed to only have a slight bit of resistance, I could still spin them. I'm sure there is some non-flatness in the plate along with the pan rail so I thought this was pretty good. But, I'll be putting silicone at this joint. So how critical is it?

This is my first motor with a girdle, I'm wanting to be sure I do it right. If I were to do it wrong (shimming) is it going to induce unwanted stress?

in my machinist career, as well as today, when i want something to stay in place and not shift when tightening, i use a couple of small dowels or split pins.
this will require a good pre-fitment, then precisely drilling the holes through both pieces at once for the dowels or split pins.
when doing so, it is best to drill the hole[s] undersize by .015, then ream to the correct size needed for the pins. this insures the hole is round, and the pins fit correctly as designed.
i believe this method will work for you to insure the girdle stays where you want it.
as to your clearance issues, i would feel more comfortable with around .060, but that's just me.

I do exactly as moparx does with dowels. I locked the girdle and windage tray in place using 2 diagonally opposing dowels….pretty tight fit.

Who made the girdle you went with? What kind of main caps did you go with?

I've been waiting for almost a year for Moroso's and need a different alternative. It's the only parts I'm waiting on.


Thanks!

Stock caps and a 440 Source girdle, I bought it some time ago, motor has been in the shop a while too. Just now back and being put together. I like the idea of dowels above but since the crank, rods and pistons are in I feel like if .030+ isn't enough clearance. . .then opening up the girdle is the best option.

Thanks!

Who makes that crank scraper ?