Upgrading Crankshafts for Better Durability and Power
When it comes to upgrading an engine, one component often overlooked is the crankshaft. However, upgrading the crankshaft can have a major impact on both durability and power, especially for high-performance or heavy-duty applications.
Whether you’re working with a sports car, a truck, or even a construction vehicle, a crankshaft upgrade can take your engine’s performance to the next level, ensuring that it delivers more power while lasting longer under extreme conditions.
In this blog, we’ll explore what upgrading crankshafts can do for your engine, the different types of upgrades available, and why this critical component should be a top priority for anyone looking to improve their vehicle’s performance.
What Does a Crankshaft Do?
The crankshaft is one of the most important parts of any engine. It converts the up-and-down motion of the pistons into rotational energy that powers your vehicle’s drivetrain. Without it, the engine wouldn’t function. This means that the crankshaft is constantly subjected to high levels of stress and wear, especially in high-performance or heavy-duty engines.
Over time, even the best crankshafts can wear out or fail, particularly if the engine is pushed to its limits. That’s why upgrading to a stronger, more durable crankshaft can significantly improve the engine’s longevity and performance.
Why Upgrade Your Crankshaft?
Upgrading your crankshaft offers several benefits that can enhance both the durability and the power of your engine. Here are some key reasons to consider this upgrade:
Increased Power and Performance
A performance-oriented crankshaft can handle more torque and higher RPMs. For those who push their engines hard—whether in motorsports, towing, or heavy-duty applications—upgrading the crankshaft allows the engine to safely produce more power. When combined with other performance upgrades like pistons, rods, and a turbocharger or supercharger, a stronger crankshaft enables your engine to achieve its maximum potential.
Enhanced Durability
Standard crankshafts are usually designed for normal, everyday driving. If you subject your vehicle to heavy loads or high speeds regularly, your stock crankshaft might not be able to keep up over time. A crankshaft upgrade, especially to a forged crankshaft, offers superior strength and fatigue resistance, ensuring it can withstand extreme forces without failing.
Improved Engine Reliability
Crankshaft failures can be catastrophic and costly. A broken crankshaft often leads to severe engine damage, requiring extensive repairs or even a full engine rebuild. Upgrading to a high-quality crankshaft reduces the risk of failure, providing greater peace of mind and longer engine life, especially in high-stress situations like racing, off-roading, or hauling heavy loads.
Better Heat Resistance
Performance crankshafts are often made from materials that can better withstand the intense heat generated in high-performance engines. When an engine runs at high RPMs or under heavy loads for extended periods, it generates more heat. An upgraded crankshaft is designed to endure these conditions without warping or cracking, which improves both performance and longevity.
Types of Crankshaft Upgrades
When upgrading a crankshaft, you have several options, depending on your goals and budget. Here are the main types of crankshaft upgrades:
Forged Crankshafts
One of the most popular upgrades is switching to a forged crankshaft. Forging involves shaping the crankshaft from a solid piece of metal using heat and pressure, aligning the grain structure for greater strength. This makes forged crankshafts much stronger than cast ones, allowing them to handle higher stress and power output.
Benefits of Forged Crankshafts:
- Superior strength
- Higher resistance to fatigue and wear
- Ability to handle higher power and torque levels
- Greater reliability in extreme conditions
For heavy-duty engines or high-performance vehicles, a forged crankshaft is often the best choice, as it provides the durability needed for demanding applications.
Billet Crankshafts
Billet crankshafts are another option for those looking to maximize performance. Billet crankshafts are machined from a single block of steel, offering precision and strength. While they tend to be more expensive than forged crankshafts, billet crankshafts are often found in high-end race cars due to their superior customization options and unparalleled strength.
Benefits of Billet Crankshafts:
- Maximum strength and durability
- Precision machining for better balance and performance
- Customizable designs for specific applications
Lightweight Crankshafts
For those looking to improve performance through weight reduction, lightweight crankshafts are a great option. A lighter crankshaft reduces the rotating mass inside the engine, allowing the engine to rev faster and improve throttle response. This upgrade is especially useful for race cars or high-performance street vehicles where acceleration and responsiveness are key.
Benefits of Lightweight Crankshafts:
- Improved throttle response
- Faster engine acceleration
- Reduced overall engine weight
However, lightweight crankshafts are not always suitable for heavy-duty applications, where durability is more important than reduced weight.
Other Key Considerations When Upgrading
While upgrading the crankshaft can significantly improve performance and durability, it’s important to consider the whole picture when planning an engine upgrade. Here are a few other factors to keep in mind:
Balancing
When upgrading the crankshaft, balancing is crucial to ensure smooth engine operation. An unbalanced crankshaft can lead to vibrations, reduced performance, and even engine damage over time. Professional machinists can balance the crankshaft to ensure it works optimally with the rest of the engine components.
Supporting Modifications
Upgrading the crankshaft alone won’t maximize your engine’s potential. It’s important to pair a crankshaft upgrade with other modifications like high-performance pistons, rods, and bearings to ensure the entire engine can handle the increased power and stress.
Proper Installation
Installing an upgraded crankshaft requires precision and experience. If installed incorrectly, even the best crankshaft will fail. It’s always a good idea to have the installation performed by a professional mechanic or engine builder who is familiar with performance upgrades.
Who Can Benefit from a Crankshaft Upgrade?
Crankshaft upgrades aren’t just for race cars. A variety of drivers and industries can benefit from a stronger, more durable crankshaft:
- Motorsports Enthusiasts: If you race your vehicle, whether on the track or off-road, a crankshaft upgrade can give you a competitive edge by handling higher power levels.
- Towing and Hauling: Heavy-duty trucks that regularly tow or haul large loads can benefit from a crankshaft upgrade to improve engine reliability and longevity.
- High-Performance Street Cars: If you have a high-performance car and are looking to push its limits, upgrading the crankshaft is essential for unlocking more power safely.
- Industrial and Construction Vehicles: For vehicles that operate in tough environments or under constant strain, a crankshaft upgrade can ensure the engine holds up over time.
Conclusion: Is It Time to Upgrade?
Upgrading your crankshaft is an investment in both the power and longevity of your engine. Whether you’re looking for better performance, increased durability, or improved reliability, a crankshaft upgrade is a smart choice for those who demand more from their engines.
For heavy-duty vehicles, performance cars, and even industrial machinery, upgrading to a stronger, more reliable crankshaft ensures that your engine can handle higher stress levels and produce more power without sacrificing durability. If you’re pushing your vehicle to its limits, a crankshaft upgrade could be the key to unlocking better performance and keeping your engine running for years to come.