Crankshaft Formalities

[Kdubski]

NAM3F,

Are there any special steps or processes for taking out and replacing the crankshaft? Was told by machine shop to reuse bearings if within tolerance, but unsure of bolts and such. Any special steps that are required with the S54 that might not be with other engines?

[Feffman]

The main bearings ($200 ish) and ARP ($150 ish) main studs are relatively inexpensive. The rod bearings are more ($450-$650 with/without ARP bolts) but the rod bearings are, at a minimum, insurance.

Feff

[Obioban]

I'd skip everything ARP and just use stock-- new or reuse, depending on the part. Stock has more clamping force, creates a rounder bore if you're not measuring for roundness (most people by far), and is cheaper. The only benefits to ARP are reusability (unlikely to actually come up and moot in the era of FCP) and how long the install takes... but it really only adds an hour to a 12 hour project, soo.... I'd rather have the stronger, rounder stock setup.

[Speed Monkey]

This HPF video starts crankshaft discussion briefly at 5 min 30 sec and provides some good information starting at 7 min 30 sec in. There is a series of four videos total; watch all of them if you have the time; a fella can glean a pointer now and again from the videos.

Back in the day on M3F, if someone mentioned FI on a S54, forum moderator “Cleveland” would go ape sh*t. He probably soiled himself seeing red and would bash anyone even thinking about FI. 🤣

[jbfrancis3]

This HPF video starts crankshaft discussion briefly at 5 min 30 sec and provides some good information starting at 7 min 30 sec in. There is a series of four videos total; watch all of them if you have the time; a fella can glean a pointer now and again from the videos.

Back in the day on M3F, if someone mentioned FI on a S54, forum moderator “Cleveland” would go ape sh*t. He probably soiled himself seeing red and would bash anyone even thinking about FI. 🤣

Its a great series. Interestingly, if you look up the shop today, there is a recent review from Chris's right-hand man Jon (or John? forget which) that leaves a disappointing review.