I was all set to buy a good quality USA made crank for my upcoming engine project. Then I found out the block I wanted is not available in a 1-piece rear main seal version. Kinda took the wind outta my sails.

Now, I need to do more research. I wanted a 1-piece so I could maintain a 'stock look' of my engine, using the stock small type balancer so that if a Smog tech looked down there, it at least would not be blatantly obvious my engine is not a L98 three-fifty.

I also have a very expensive 1-piece flywheel I wanted to use. Now, if I went with the 2-piece block, I am told there is a 1-piece seal conversion kit that can be installed. Is it strong? Will that conversion kit be OK to use on a big inch forced induction small block? Is it a waste of money? Should I just run with a 2-piece seal block and crank, and try to find a dampener that looks like my L98 original? I was told the 2-piece seal crank is stronger, due to a larger bolt pattern for the flywheel? How true is this?

I need advice. I have a limited budget, and I do not want to spend my money on the wrong stuff. Thanks guys!

 

Hmmm... I know that there's an adapter to fit a 2-piece seal crank into a 1-piece seal block. I don't know if you can go the other way.

 

Check out the Latest Chevy High Performance magazine. It appears that Scoggins and Dicky are now offering a 1-piece RMS GM BOW-TIE block, because of the growing demand for 1-piece RMS setups. Anyway, the block is CNC'd and offered in 2 versions, a 3.997 siamesed bore, and a sweet 4.117 siamesed bore, both utilize the desirable 2.45" main bore . The estimated cost is $1800. I will be saving for a large bore version for sure. To build a long rod solid roller 420. HTH's

 

I'll check it out. Thank you!

 

Hmmm... That sounds like a nice piece.
I wonder if it would be financially feasable to do a bowtie or aftermarket LT1 block? Prolly not.

 

Yeah, it would be nice if there was enough demand for someone to produce an AFTER-MARKET LT-1 BLOCK, so you could build a 420 power house without having to bleed for a 4" stroke crankshaft. With a LT-1 420 (4.155x3.875 combo), you could easily get into the low 10's and high 9's NORMALLY ASPIRATED with the current heads and cam selections available.