MARK THE SPOT When grinding cranks I like to know where the thrust, radius or the crank cheek is. Once I clean up that side, a simple paper clamp marks that and is a good guide on how close that surface or radius is when sweeping for final size. It works for me. Randy...

GEN III VS. GEN IV CONNECTING RODS The early Gen-3 press-fit connecting rod was replaced by the Gen-4 free-floating piston pin with rod bushings. Some shops try to upgrade Gen-3 engines by substituting Gen-4 pistons, and keeping the earlier rods. You need to be aware...

HONING TITANIUM RODS I recently used major aftermarket high strength bolts in some LS9 GM connecting rods and had to bring the rod bores back into spec. The titanium tears up stones and shoes in the rod hone. I used fine emory-cloth pieces with the abrasive side...

RELUCTOR WHEEL INSTALLATION Many late model engines, like the LS series GM V8’s, use a press fit reluctor wheel as a crankshaft trigger. When the need arises to swap the crankshaft reluctor, some companies sell a tool for approximately $200. Taking one off is as...

CONNECTING ROD PIN END - BORING In certain cases, we have to remove a good deal of stock from the pin end of the rod. Whether to fit oversize pins in a press-fit rod, to fit bushings that are .001-.002” oversize or bore out an undersized bushing to spec, this can be...

DOING THE LS CRANK STAND Since the new LS motors all have reluctor rings, my son and I figured out a relatively easy way to stabilize our cranks when we are installing the reluctor ring to the crank. We honed out a junk harmonic balancer to use as a stand for reluctor...