Eagle Specialty ProductsEagle Specialty Products (ESP) introduced an affordable stock-replacement forged 4340-steel connecting rod for the Pontiac V-8 in the mid '90s. It also produces rods in 6.8-inch length for long-stroke applications. Precision machining and consistency are among the factors that make ESP's rods a popular choice for SD Performance.
Ohio Crankshaft
Ohio Crankshaft, in Greenville, Ohio, has been in business since 1969. Originally specializing in heavy-duty applications, the company eventually branched out into the automotive market, and introduced forged-steel and nodular cast iron Pontiac crankshafts within the past few years.
"We were getting calls from Pontiac hobbyists all the time," says General Manager Stan Ray. "They simply wanted an affordable, high-quality crankshaft for their engines, and most wanted longer stroke for added performance. We had developed a totally new Pontiac crankshaft for our billet program years before, then used those same CNC codes to produce our forged unit. That's why it looks different than others."
Ray says that his company sources its raw forged 4340-steel units overseas, but all finishing is performed in-house. "We also offer a nodular cast iron crank, and it's the same piece provided by other manufacturers. We pay particular attention to the rear counterweight clearance, however. It runs very close to the oil pump in a Pontiac," he adds.
Ohio's nodular cast iron crankshaft is available in 3- and 3.25-inch main journal diameters, and pricing starts at $295. The 4.21-inch stroke units feature stock 2.249-inch rod journal diameters, while the 4.25-inch units feature 2.2-inch journals. Ohio even offers a 3.25-inch main journal crankshaft with a 4-inch stroke for those rebuilding 428ci engines, or looking to produce a 440ci combo from a 455.
Butler Performance and ESPButler Performance and ESP joined efforts in 2000 and gave Pontiac hobbyists an affordable option to a 455 engine. They introduced a cast crankshaft for 400 engines with a 4.25-inch stroke, which quickly enlarges displacement to roughly 461ci during a normal rebuild. Crankshafts with other dimensions followed shortly thereafter.
Forged-steel crankshafts are available in a greater variety. Ohio offers direct replacements for 400 and 455ci engines, which retain the stock 3.75- and 4.21-inch stroke lengths, respectively. It also offers 3-inch main journal units with stroke lengths of 4.21, 4.25, 4.5, and 4.75 inches-the latter three include 2.2-inch diameter rod journals. A 3.25-inch main unit with 4.25-inch stroke and 2.2-inch rod journals is presently available, and a 4.5-inch stroke unit is planned. Pricing begins at $575
Ray tells HPP that his company also manufactures connecting rods. A stock-replacement forged 4340-steel H-beam measuring 6.625 inches that contains ARP rod bolts is among them. "Our rods are 100 percent machined on all surfaces, stress-relieved, shot-peened, and honed with the latest diamond and vitreous technology. They start at $429 per set," he adds. Ohio also offers complete rotating assembly kits featuring its crankshafts and connecting rods. "We have Pontiac kits available for virtually any application JE Pistons produces forged pistons for, and our nodular cast iron crankshaft and H-beam rods are standard. Pricing starts around $1,300, and balancing adds $150 to that cost. A forged crank is available for $300 extra."
SCAT enterprises
SCAT Enterprises, in Redondo Beach, California, has been producing forged crankshafts for over 40 years. Owner Tom Lieb says that specialty products are a large part of his company's business. "Pontiacs were, and still are, regarded as performance cars and hobbyists are making big power with them. We saw the need for a high-quality forged crankshaft, and introduced ours about three years ago. It's not big volume, but it's still a good bit of business."