Best Performance Engine Crankshafts of 2026
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Performance engine crankshafts are an essential component of any high-performance engine. They are designed to withstand the stresses of high RPMs and increased horsepower, providing increased durability and longevity for the engine. These crankshafts are typically made from high-strength materials such as forged steel or billet aluminum, and are precision machined to exacting tolerances to ensure optimal performance. Upgrading to a performance crankshaft can greatly improve engine response, torque, and overall power output, making it a popular choice among racing enthusiasts and performance enthusiasts alike.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Performance Engine Crankshafts
Eagle Specialty Products Cast Steel Crankshaft
This vehicle-specific Eagle Specialty Products Cast Steel Crankshaft is made in Canada and weighs 52.8 pounds. Its package dimensions are 71.12 L x 22.098 H x 20.828 W (centimeters). This performance engine crankshaft is an essential component for your small block Chevy to enhance its overall performance.
Eagle Specialty 3.75" Cast Steel Crankshaft for Small Block Chevy
The Eagle Cast Steel Crankshaft is designed specifically for certain vehicles, ensuring a precise fit for your engine upgrade or replacement. Its 3.75-inch size is tailored for Small Block Chevy engines, making it a great choice if you’re looking to enhance performance in that category. The crankshaft is packaged securely, with dimensions that reflect careful handling to protect the product during shipping. Weighing 54 pounds, it’s a solid, durable component built to withstand engine demands. Although made in China, this crankshaft offers a reliable option for those seeking performance engine parts from a trusted brand like Eagle.
Manley 190130 4" Stroke Forged Crankshaft for Small Block Chevy
The Manley 4" Stroke Crankshaft is designed to fit 4340 Small Block Chevrolet 350 engines with a 4.000-inch stroke. Its sturdy forged construction ensures durability and performance for your engine upgrades. Weighing 50 pounds, this crankshaft provides a solid, balanced feel that helps maintain engine stability. The package dimensions make it easy to handle and store, while being made in the United States guarantees quality manufacturing standards. If you're looking to enhance your Chevy's performance, this crankshaft offers a reliable and well-crafted option that fits perfectly and supports your engine's power needs.
Eagle 435337505700 3.75" Stroke Forged Crankshaft
The Eagle Forged Crankshaft is a high-performance auto part designed to upgrade your small block Chevy engine. It features a 3.75-inch stroke, which helps improve engine power and efficiency. The crankshaft is made from strong 4340 forged steel, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance. Weighing 63 pounds, this sturdy component is built to handle demanding driving conditions. The package comes in a compact size of 28 by 9 by 8 inches, making it easy to ship and store. Originating from China, this crankshaft combines quality manufacturing with practical design to enhance your vehicle’s engine performance.
Eagle Specialty Products 3.48" Cast Steel Crankshaft
This performance engine crankshaft is made in China, designed to fit specific vehicles, and comes in a package weighing 53 pounds with dimensions of 71.12L x 22.6H x 21.0W centimeters.
Eagle Specialty 103514000 4" Stroke 351W Crankshaft
The Eagle Specialty Crankshaft is a durable auto part designed for performance engine use, especially in small block Ford 351W engines. Weighing 56 pounds, this crankshaft provides the sturdy build needed for reliable engine performance. Its single-piece packaging ensures you receive one complete unit, making installation straightforward and hassle-free. The product's dimensions (24.79" long, 11.02" wide, and 9.24" high) make it easy to handle and fit into your engine setup. This crankshaft is ideal if you're looking to enhance your vehicle's engine reliability and power.
Scat 4-350-3750-5700 Forged 4340 Crankshaft
The Scat Forged Crankshaft is designed with a 3.75-inch stroke, which helps improve your engine's performance by allowing more piston movement. Its overall length of about 24.8 inches ensures it fits well in most Small Block Chevrolet setups, giving you a reliable fit. The crankshaft's height measures just over 9 inches, making it compact enough for efficient engine assembly. With a width of around 11 inches, it provides a balanced design for smooth operation. These dimensions work together to offer you a durable and precise component that enhances your vehicle's engine power and reliability.
Scat Crankshafts 910526 Crankshaft
The Scat Crankshaft 910526 is designed specifically for performance engines, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking to enhance their vehicle's power. With dimensions of 9.24 inches high, 24.79 inches long, and 11.02 inches wide, it fits perfectly in designated spaces, ensuring a hassle-free installation. Weighing in at 53.8 pounds, this crankshaft offers robust construction, adding durability and reliability to your engine. Made in China, it meets specific vehicle requirements, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance for your engine modifications.
Scat Crankshafts Cast Steel Crankshaft for Small Block Chevrolet
The Scat Crankshafts Cast Steel Crankshaft for Small Block Chevrolet, also known as the Scat Crankshaft for Chevrolet, is a high-performance engine crankshaft designed specifically for small block Chevrolet engines. With a stroke length of 3.480 inches, this crankshaft offers improved engine performance and increased torque. The package dimensions of 24.79 inches in length, 9.24 inches in height, and 11.02 inches in width ensure that the crankshaft is securely packaged and protected during shipping. This crankshaft is a reliable and durable choice for those looking to enhance the performance of their Chevrolet engines. Upgrade your engine with the Scat Crankshaft for Chevrolet and experience improved power and efficiency.
Scat Crankshafts 910454 Crankshaft
The Scat 910454 Crankshaft is an essential component for enhancing your car's engine performance. With a stroke length of 4.000 inches, this crankshaft provides the necessary power and efficiency to optimize your engine's output. Manufactured in China, it combines quality craftsmanship with affordability. Weighing in at 67.0 pounds, this crankshaft is robust and designed to withstand the rigors of high-performance driving, ensuring longevity and reliability. By upgrading to this crankshaft, you can experience improved acceleration and overall vehicle responsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the strongest crankshaft?
The strongest crankshaft for high-performance applications is the billet 4340 steel crankshaft. These crankshafts are carved from a solid chunk of steel and are known for their exceptional strength and durability.
2. What does a performance crankshaft do?
A performance crankshaft improves durability and can handle higher loads and RPMs without twisting, cracking, or failing. It is also finished to a higher standard of accuracy and precision compared to ordinary crankshafts.
3. What is the best type of crankshaft?
Billet crankshafts are considered the top-end high-performance crankshafts. They are made from a solid chunk of high-grade steel bar, typically 4340 material, and are machined through a series of processes to create the final crankshaft.
4. How much HP can a crankshaft handle?
The horsepower limit for a crankshaft depends on its type. Cast cranks can handle around 500 hp and a maximum of 6,500 rpm for small-block engines. Big-block engines with cast cranks can handle up to 650 hp. Forged cranks, specifically 4340 steel, are the standard for higher horsepower applications.
5. Which is better forged or billet crankshaft?
Both forged and billet crankshafts have their advantages. Forged crankshafts have an interwoven grain structure, providing superior tensile strength and improvements in elongation. Billet crankshafts, on the other hand, are a better option for custom one-off cranks since they don't require expensive tooling equipment.
6. Does changing crankshaft increase horsepower?
Increasing an engine's displacement with a longer stroke crankshaft can increase torque output and, in most cases, horsepower as well. Turbocharged applications may also benefit from improved boost response with a longer stroke crankshaft.
7. What is the benefit of a bigger crankshaft?
A bigger crankshaft can provide more low-end torque by increasing rotating mass. This can make the engine feel more responsive at lower RPMs. Additionally, a longer crankshaft can help reduce engine vibration and create a smoother ride for the operator.
8. What's better forged or cast crankshaft?
Forged crankshafts offer superior tensile strength and improvements in elongation compared to cast crankshafts. Once heat treated, forged crankshafts can have tensile strength ratings as high as 125,000 psi, while cast crankshafts typically start near 60,000 psi.
During our performance engine crankshaft research, we found 24 performance engine crankshaft products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,168 customer reviews through our big data system to write the performance engine crankshafts list. We found that most customers choose performance engine crankshafts with an average price of $339.73.
The performance engine crankshafts are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of performance engine crankshafts, including Eagle, Manley, Eagle Specialty Products, Scat Crankshafts. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.