2011 cranks. Someone educate me

[Twinscrewgt]

Ok so Ive read over and over the cranks are forged. Well when I had mine out it doesn't look like any forged crank I've seen. There is no bluing from being hardened. So any insite on if they are forged but not hardened?

 

[wproctor411]

It's Forged Steel but like a forged wrench it isn't going to have a blue "color-case hardening".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardened_steel

http://www.musclemustangfastfords.com/tech/mmfp_1004_2011_mustang_gt_5_0_l_engine/photo_08.html

Specs:
http://www.musclemustangfastfords.c..._0_l_engine/2011_mustang_gt_engine_specs.html

 

[Twinscrewgt]

Ok. But why isn't it hardened like forged cranks in the past? Cost?

 

[Unreal]

It is probably hardened in one way or another. There is different types of metal strengthening. Same with different forging methods and materials. What material is the stock crank?

 

[Twinscrewgt]

Forged steel. Not sure on specifics

 

[KungFuHamster]

its probably good to at least 1k hp so i wouldnt worry about it

 

[Twinscrewgt]

Oh I'm not worried. More just curious

 

[DrTriton]

The blue color you are referring to is caused by the hardening process -back in the 90's they used to harden the entire crank. Now they just harden the journals then micro-polish them, so you don't see the discoloration.

 

[kdanner]

Easy way to tell for any crank, smack it with a mallet. Forged cranks ring, cast do not.