Using Chevy rods on a Jeep Crank

[Plechtan]

Can't be done you say? Or maybe you could but it would cost you too much money. Well It can be done and it will only cost you $400-$500 dollars including offset grinding the crank to a 4" or so stroke.

0610turp_12z+castillo_crankshaft+welds.jpg

I talked to Joe the owner of Castillo Crankshaft service, he says he has done it and can do it. About $200 for the welding and another $250.00 or so to offset grind the crank to use 2" journal chevy rods and get a 4" stroke. Price does not include ballancing. The jeep uses 2.1" journals , so by going to a 2" journal you will have enough material to get a 4" stroke without welding the journal. Why use a chevy rod? Well you can get a performance rod for about 35 dollars each vs $200 each for a custom rod. Pistons could be an issue, but custom pistons are about $100 each, so you could still be way ahead if building a custom stroker. They could also make the crank take a ford rod, then you could use SB ford pistons and go really cheap.

Castillo Crankshaft
Somewere near Los Angeles

714 523 0321 5:30 AM to 1:30PM PST

Ask for Joe, Tell him Pete sent you.

[RAPTORFAN85]

Those are some clean looking welds. Wish I could arc weld...

[yuppiexj]

Dangit Pete,

You're gonna cost me too much money.
Good find though.

[Alex22]

I'm planing on running the SCAT Chevy I6 rods in my engine. They are only .014 [iirc ] narrower on the big end and there would be no welding required on the crankshaft. 6inch center to center bushed for full floating pins.

Crankshafts are "submerged welded" by a machine, I would go insane if I had to weld every journal on a crankshaft.

[SilverXJ]

Not a bad price considering you could save a bit and either get a crank of unknown condition or one that can't be turned anymore since it needs to be welded.

[Plechtan]

I'm planing on running the SCAT Chevy I6 rods in my engine. They are only .014 [iirc ] narrower on the big end and there would be no welding required on the crankshaft. 6inch center to center bushed for full floating pins.

Crankshafts are "submerged welded" by a machine, I would go insane if I had to weld every journal on a crankshaft.

It may work, but the chevy rod i believe is 1.029" wide and the jeep is about 1.060 So more like .015 more narrow per side, or .030 total. The stock rod has at least .010 side clearance (total) so you will be running .040 side clearance total. The rod may end up being located by the piston. What will your clearances be on the small end?

Do you know if anybody elese has tried this?

[Alex22]

The SCAT rod is listed as having a 1.050 wide big end so only an extra .012 total side clearance. When I order them I'll ask if I can get a set with a wider big end if there is enough material on the blank.
If you wanted to go with piston guided rods like the NASCAR guys are running then I hope you have a very large wallet.

[StroktWJ]

It amazes me how smart/crazy this board is LOL

That is some great info!

[lafrad]

Piston guided rods are more dependant on the piston itself, not the rod. Just need the right small end and a good cut on the piston to keep it setup...

Sounds fun! Makes for real light rotating assembly.

[Plechtan]

I sent a 12 CW off to Castillo's yesterday. the thrust surface was worn too deep ( it was from a plow jeep). They will repair that, do the side welds and grind the crank for chevy rods (2" journal) and a 4" stroke. Cost should be around $500.00 plus $50.00 shipping each way. Offset grinding a standard crank would be a few hundred dollars, so this doesn't seem like a bad deal.

I will be able to use Chevy rods and pistons. I havent looked at the available pistons yet, but even if i have to go custom it will be way cheaper than using custom connecting rods.

[lafrad]

Be SURE to spare NO EXPENSE in stress relieving the newly welded crank. I have a bad experience with a welded crank that wasn't properly prepped after welding...

[Plechtan]

Castillos is well known for the quality of their work. If you search them in Google you will see what i mean.