Steve Bryant

iTrader: (1)

Here's an interesting article from the online version of Automotive Rebuilder Magazine discussing crankshafts. Among other topics, they discuss cranks that are either domestically manufactured in their entirety or a combination of an offshore forging that is machined in the USA http://www.automotiverebuilder.com/ar/eb040554.htm. Representatives of all of the big players in LSx crankshafts (Lunati, Callies, Eagle, SCAT) are interviewed in the article. They discuss pros and cons of light weight versus heavier, more durable crankshafts even for engines used in racing where lightness may appear to be king.

Steve

DavidNJ

Interesting. The real problem is exchange rates, democracies vs. totalitarian governments, and policies that may have long run geo-poltical objectives.

The problem for the US crank manufacturers is tough: OEM cranks (probably imported) hold up much better than in the past, and imports can handle all but the highest power or most competitive racing applications. More over the imports are reaching deep into the US distribution network. A Chinese crank not only comes from Eagle and SCAT, it comes from Callies, and it comes from a variety of other component manufacturers and distributors (Probe, Jegs).

And it is not only cranks. It is rods, pistons, and probably soon heads.

SShotgun_Rider12

Thank you for sharing this article! I found it very informative.