347 forged crank vs. 347 nodular iron crank

[big_rob]

i want to buy a 347 stroker kit for 1991 302 i found one for $800 with a nodular iron crank, forged i beam rods and kieth black pistons
and another for $1200 for forged crank, forged rods, and forged probe pistons.

my best guess is the only difference is weight but im sure there is more to it. so i turn to my faithful friends at the forum

is the $800 kit worth it or should i spring the extra $400 bucks?

[ccomt]

The forged crank is stronger so it can handle more horsepower without breaking. Are the Keith Black pistons forged or hypereutectic? Forged pistons are also stronger. So what you buy really depends on what kind of HP you want to make and whether you plan on any HP addons like nitrous or a blower.

[big_rob]

no blowers or super chargers just good old naturally aspired HP im hoping in the 450-475 range when im done.
this is whats in the kit for $800

THIS 347 STROKER KIT FEATURES:

HAWKS RACING 347 3.40"" STROKE NODULAR IRON CRANKSHAFT WITH STD/STD SB FORD JOURNAL SIZES
347 5.400" CNC PROFILED LIGHTWEIGHT FORGED I-BEAM RODS
KEITH BLACK .030 FLAT TOP (DISHED AVAILABLE), PIN FIT PISTONS PISTON PINS AND RETAINERS (10.2CR/62cc)
NEW PREMIUM ROD AND MAIN BEARING SET STD
+.030 PREMIUM RING SET

[blykins]

What heads are you going to use? I don't know if you'll hit your hp request very easily....

Also, you might wanna look into pistons with floating wrist pins instead of press fit...

[big_rob]

i am going to use stock heads for now and eventually go with twisted wedge heads

[Hal Copple]

i think you will have a hard time making 450+ streetable HP with a 347.

I have a stroked Windsor, at 396 ci, i have about 450 hp with TF heads, Pro Holley, headers of course, run the KB Hypereutectic pistons and a nodular iron crank. I have about 70+K hard, hard miles on my motor, i put another 140 hot miles on it today. No knocks, leaks, and the same compression, even on all 8, that it had when new.

Both Hypereutetic and forged pistons have their advantages. Good Hypereutectic pistons are fine for a non-poweradder motor, good cold ring seal, less "slap", compared to forged. I keep my redline at about 6000, and shift just below that. I believe that a forged crank only really offers security in a high rpm, or power-adder motor.

Hyypereutectic pistons are stronger than the "stock" ones in most motors, but don't tolerate detonation very well. But they seal tightly in the bores, because of a more favorable thermal expansion rate.

I would save the thousand bucks and get something else, track time, track helmet, etc, or spend it on a good balance, and good assembly. If you want to make a lot of reliable hp from a "small" motor, it takes a lot of money.

enjoy the ride.....