The Cal-look Lounge

I am starting to collect parts for a new engine, most likely 2332.

Are there any benefits in using Chevy sized journals over VW size ones?
Does it make the crank stronger, or weaker?

I am planning on using a raised roof case, so I don't think that clearance will be too much of an issue inside the case.

Opinions please.

Larger jounals make the crank stronger because the main and rod journals share a larger cross section.

With 84mm crank, the VW journals probably weaken the cam too much because you still to clearence the base circle of that.

True, but how often does a cam snap? Usually a busted cam is the result of a thrown rod. Not being a smartass, just asking ;)

I have allready got a pre-clearanced cam, am I likely to need to increase the clearance further if I use an VW rod journal?

And what about case clearance?

Hello Stu,

I would recomend Chevy Journal it makes life a little easier go for a 5.500" rod and shoot for 60 thow rod to case clearence.

I hope this helps Kind regards Paul  :)

Thanks for the advice. :)

If your H-beam rods have 3/8" bolts, it is unlikely you will be able to make a VW journal crank fit.  5/16" bolt rods can work.

I was planning on using 3/8" bolts, so it looks like Chevy journals are my best option.

So to another question. At what point would you recomend going up to a Type 4 Centre main bearing?

Shouldn't need the type 4 center main until or unless you will be consistently above 7500 rpm or over 225 hp. At that point, you might as well go with all type 4 mains.

I don't think anyone offers a type 4 center main crank anymore do they? I know Bugpack's new stuff is all type one, and their new flanged crank is all type 4 (used to be type 4 center), and CB's have always been all type 1.

To have one welded to type 4 just doesn't make any sense in my mind.

Scat's web site does actualy list their pro comp cranks as being available with a type 4 centre main.

But, this is for a street engine with occasional strip use, so I won't be turning 7500rpm that often, or producing that much power.

Thanks

DPR can do a welded crank with Type 4 center main.

--louis

Yeah, DPR just built me an all type 4 86 mm

My 84 / VW journal crank and H beam 5.5 rods take the same space as my old 78.4 stock rod combo. VW journal is much stronger and clearance on the cam is no problem for longevity.

i am taking notes here.

what rods do you use now?

They're 5.5 Eagle's.

So how would the clearance of Eagle rod compaire with other brands of rod?

Depends on the bolts in the rods.  John's Eagle rods have 5/16" bolts.  Try to fit Scat rods with 3/8" bolts, not gonna fit.