Looking for info on sources for crank and rods to build a 540. Is Eagle still the route to go? Any other recommendations on which brand? Best source to obtain these parts?

Any info appreciated.

Tim T.

Do a search in the OSO archives on building a 540 and you should find a lot of info. Last I knew the Eagle crank/rods are good unless someone else can chime in here and give their input. The Eagle cranks have seen an improvement of the last few years. I currently use the Eagle H-beam 4340 rods in my short deck 565's without problems.

Well if you are going to invest money invest it right.Eagle ,Scat is OK. But if ya wanna run and don't want any broken rods ect. Spend a little extra money and get the good stuff. Go I beam rods, H beams have a tendency to twist and break or bend. Have seen this at least 6 times in buddys motors.Manely,crower,howard,lunati.Same with the crank. you can buy a $700 crank that might last or a $1200 crank that will last and take the beating. Depends HOW HARD are you gunna run it.A little bit more in the beginning is better than a block and crank in the middle of the season.I've been there it suck's just my 2cents. JOHN

I have a Callies "Dragonslayor" Crank and Callies Compstar rods in my 540, which is considered an upgrade from Eagle or Scat. However, I personally think that Eagle makes good (4340 forged) cranks and rods. Had them in my previous motor (509 c.i.d.) which came from Teague Custom Marine. (built by Bill Mitchell). The rods had L19 bolts which is like a $50 - $75 upgrade from the regular 8740 alloy. I detonated two pistons to death in that engine by running crap gas and way too much timing and the rods and crank still look good!
I've heard lots of people speculate about Eagle and Scat being Chinese junk and that sort of thing, but if you check what the top US engine builders use (like in the Engine Masters Challenge every year) more than half of them use Eagle cranks and rods. Best bang for the buck I say. If you're building a 1200+ HP supercharged 572+ c.i.d. and/or want to brag about all the expensive parts you have in your motor, go ahead and buy Oliver rods and a Kryptonite or Bryant crank. You could probably buy 2 Eagle short block assemblies for what you spend on that reciprocating assembly! I haven't heard of H-beam rods bending just so. You would have to build a lot of cylinder pressure to bend a rod like that! It usually takes either some water in the cylinder to bend a rod or very high RPM to break them.
In short, if ypu're building like a 600 - 700 hp naturally aspirated 540 for recreational (and occasional high speed), use, you should be fine using Eagle (or Scat) parts. If you're racing and/or making big power, then you need to step up and spend the big bucks buying the necessary high-end brand parts.
just my 2 cents..
BTW: Use the longest rods you can - at least the 6.385"

Thanks for the info. Working with Bob Madara now.

I'm going with Callies on my 557. I figure, better safe than sorry ...........

I run a Callies Dragon Slayer crank and Lunati Pro Mod rods in my 540. So far, no issues with 140 hours.

good move ....