Hi, I have an early iron Hemi mega block with standard cam/crank distance, and a nice Velasco billet 4.5 crank with 2.375" rod journals. The crank has 1" lightening holes thru the rod journals, offset towards the outside so the wall thickness is .325 on the outside and 1.050" thick on the inside. I want to grind the journals down to 2.200". If i regrind and maintain the same stroke, the minimum wall thickness on the rod journals with be reduced to .238". Is that thick enuff? I could add .170 to the stroke by offset grinding, and maintain the existing minimum wall thickness. Is there anything wrong with going 4.670 stroke? Will steel rods clear the cam lobes OK at that stroke?

Thanks, Joel

Is that the block I sold you Joel? With a 2 2 pin I had no trouble going to 4.75" I had real close clearance with 4 cam lobes, .060. Other than that I still think 4-7/8" would clear. The raised cam block is good for 5".

Dave, thanks for the info, that helps. This is a different block. The one I got from you got hurt, then I unfortunately the crooked machine shop I sent it to for repairs stole it from me.

Sorry to hear that Joel. Darn blocks have gotten crazy expensive too.

Sell it, and buy an aluminum block...

And today another episode of of Jeff trying to pry open Joel's wallet. Jeff I think he's on a budget due to all the steak dinners he's going to owe you. lol

Well my truck is down after this last weekend, so it looks like my race season is done... No steak dinner from Joel this year...

No excuses. Get it fixed or borrow My truck or Mike's truck. I already put Texas Roadhouse gift cards on my Christmas wish list from my kids.

An inquiry has been made into the aluminum block weight ,price, availability. It's kind of hard not to use block that I have sitting here, all machined and ready to go. But then I need heed the advice I have given to others: just because you have something on hand doesn't mean you should use it. You can always sell it and use the funds to get something more suitable for the project.
Edit: the problem with that is I can never bring myself to sell Hemi stuff. So I wouldn't have the funds from selling the iron block, I'd be out the full cost of the aluminum block if I go that route.

You've always been weight conscience with the Coupe before, why stop now? You'll always wish you dropped that 150lbs.

Ditto....I have two of them...4.75 is it with steal rods for sure.

x2. You're building it to race in a specific class at Drag Week, right? It really seems hard to turn that weight reduction down.

I have a mega block, 4.75 with aluminum rods, GRP

Well Joel I know you're a frugal Scandinavian and I know how to get the weight down on the hotrod. Most people won't do this though, go on a diet, it won't get you all the way there but it's a start. Also start looking for ounces, rifle drill bolts, lighten everything up.

Is it raised cam?

Not a raised cam block

Haha Dave I have been dieting for about the last 2 years. I got down 35 lb from my max, but it's hard to maintain. About 15 of it has crept back. So there is potential there.

Only 15???

Haha, fatso! You'da hit 8's if you'da hit the gym like me.

You hit the gym??? One would never know.