<VV> Hardened, (or Nitrided) Crankshafts

[R. Stalder]

I'm new to corvairs so this is my first response to a question on VV.  But I 
recently learned some stuff about cranks while building my late model turbo 
engine.  So this is what I know, hope it helps.  If your crank was 
originally nitrided from the factory, it will have "&" type symbol stamped 
on the flywheel end.  If your crank has been ground it will need to be 
nitrided again.  Nitriding hardens the surface of the crank.  Grinding 
removes the hardened surface.

However, I was told not to worry about nitriding my crank unless I was 
racing or planned to due a lot of hard driving.  A non-nitrided late model 
crank would be fine for normal daily driving.

That's all I know,
Russ Stalder
Mesa, AZ

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <MoVair at aol.com>
To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2007 1:44 PM
Subject: <VV> Hardened, (or Nitrided) Crankshafts


> Hello folks,
>  Recently, I was having a phone conversation with "Big John" Kirkman 
> about
> an engine I plan to build. It started as a 65, 110 engine with PG.  The 
> engine
> block has been assembled, using the stock 8409 crank. The cam has  been
> upgraded to Clark's OT-20. Plans are to run .040 pistons.
>  Now for my predicament. I have a set of 65, 140 heads in the machine 
> shop
> that will probably be ready this week. Although I still have a few  more 
> ducks
> to get in a row, I thought this would be another upgrade I could do. 
> Problem
> is, the crankshaft is not hardened. Remember, the engine is a 110.
>  Since the crank uses the same part number, regardless if it is  hardened 
> or
> not, is there a visual inspection I can do to determine a Nitrided  from a
> non-Nitrided crank? If not, is it possible to get a crankshaft  hardened?
>  At this time, the only other late heads I have are for a 95 HP  and I 
> don't
> want to use them. I'd get a set of 110 heads first.
>  In case you're wondering, no, I don't have car to put it in  yet. That is 
> a
> bit further down the road. Right now, I just want to do the  engine.
>  Any info that anyone can provide will be of great help.  THANKS!!!
>
>
>    Kelly Parker
>    Oxford, GA. 30054
>    _MoVair at aol.com_ (mailto:MoVair at aol.com)
>    62 700 4-dr
>    62 Greenbrier Deluxe
>    64 Monza Convertible
>    65 Monza Coupe 140/PG
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