Ohio Crankshaft offers a number of nodular cast iron and forged-steel crankshafts in various dimensions for Pontiac engines. The forged-steel crank is based on the design Ohio developed for its CNC-billet program. Forged-steel connecting rods are another popular item.
Like other manufacturers, Lieb says that SCAT uses world-market material to produce its crankshafts. "It's not by choice," he adds, "there just aren't any domestic steel sources or forging houses, so we source the raw 4340-steel forgings overseas and finish them in-house." The company's Pontiac crankshafts are presently available with only a 3-inch main-journal diameter. "We've found that 400ci blocks are most popular simply because of availability and a stroker crank is an easy way to increase displacement and performance of it, but we plan to offer a 3.25-inch crank in the near future for those starting with large-journal blocks."
Stroke options are limited to 4, 4.25, and 4.5 inches-all with a 2.2-inch rod journal diameter, and are available in one of three distinct models. "Our Standard Weight unit includes knife-edged counterweights, and weighs around 75 pounds. Our Pro Comp unit is specifically machined to accurately position the counterweights for maximum balance of the entire rotating assembly, and weighs about 10 pounds less. Our Superlight unit is similar to the Pro Comp, but its counterweights are pendulum cut, shedding another five pounds, for a total of 15." Pricing starts at $799, $989, and $1,099, respectively.
Not limited to crankshafts, SCAT also offers its own forged-steel connecting rod. "Like our crankshaft, our H-beam rod is made of 4340-steel, and is forged overseas using a unique manufacturing process aimed at maximizing strength and consistency. All finishing is performed in-house. They also include ARP bolts, and are grouped into sets by weight and retail for $450."
SCAT EnterprisesSCAT Enterprises offers only forged-steel crankshafts. Its Pontiac units include various stroke lengths. The company offers three unique models, with weights that range from 60 to 75 pounds. It also produces forged-steel connecting rods in a variety of sizes. AllPontiac.com uses SCAT crankshafts exclusively. Photo courtesy of Vicki Cacciotti
Lieb says that his company's 6.7-inch long connecting rod with a 2.2-inch rod journal diameter is most popular. "It, along with Ross Racing pistons, is included in our complete rotating assembly kits, which start around $2,000. We also offer a stock-replacement H-beam rod in 6.625-inch length with a 2.249-inch rod journal for those using an original Pontiac crankshaft."
Tomahawk performance products
Pacific Performance Racing (PPR), in San Pedro, California, has introduced a number of engine components under its popular Tomahawk Performance Products line. Boasting of such items as intake manifolds, shaft-mounted rocker arms and a windage tray, PPR has recently added proprietary nodular cast iron crankshafts and forged-steel connecting rods. The company also offers complete rotating assemblies for 350 and 400ci engines.
Owner Ken Brewer says he prefers smaller displacement engines to larger units because he feels that the horsepower they produce is more usable. "I developed stroker kits for hobbyists with 350 and 400ci engines to arrive 383 and 428 cubic inches, respectively. Either increases displacement providing superior torque over a stock combination, but it's not so much that it grossly overpowers available traction, ultimately losing the race."