penta reliability problems?

harley · 10-31-2005, 01:41 PM

i have access to a penta crank with 55mm mains. this has to go into the 85-88 b230 block, correct? are there reliability issues with these blocks/cranks?

i'm used to the older blocks (b21/b23) so i'm not familiar with any differences in the newer ones.

Forg · 10-31-2005, 04:30 PM

None of the redblocks have had any block-related reliability problems that I'm aware of; I have heard the term "core shift" bandied about, but I think that was more an issue with the B21/B23 series. I don't know if it's particularly an issue unless you're boring it out, in any case?

The thing people talk about with the '85-'88 blocks (and I think they may have had some sitting around after 1988, I don't think it's safe to automatically assume a 1989 car has the bigger bearings) is the smaller bearings & rods. They're therefore weaker engines. However, I know of at least one person who was running lots of boost using a large turbo & through a huge custom intercooler; and using a 1986 B230FT. This car was punished for at least 3 years before I lost touch with him.
So while they're not The Ultimate, these early engines are capable of coping with the sort of power your average +T attempts to put through them.

n xntrx volvo · 10-31-2005, 05:02 PM

that set up will be fine, just upgrade the rods.

harley · 10-31-2005, 09:08 PM

so is $400 too much for a 56mm mains crank?

MikeHardy · 11-01-2005, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harley

so is $400 too much for a 56mm mains crank?

didn't doug like by a large mains one for $85 off ebay a few years ago

n xntrx volvo · 11-01-2005, 12:02 PM

no its not. one from sten is 650. just remember you're going to need a shorter piston or rod to go with it.

10-31-2005, 01:41 PM	#1
harley Board Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Oak Ridge, TN	penta reliability problems? i have access to a penta crank with 55mm mains. this has to go into the 85-88 b230 block, correct? are there reliability issues with these blocks/cranks? i'm used to the older blocks (b21/b23) so i'm not familiar with any differences in the newer ones. __________________ harley His: 79 244DL 395K, 3.93 rear, upper chassis braces, turbo sways, lowered, B21F, P&P 405 w/B cam +4° Hers: 91 245SE 191K, upper chassis braces, IPD sways, 8.2mm thundervolt wires, Bilstein TC's, T cam. RIP: 83 245GLT minus T ~200K. terminal 11 (full throttle actuated), K cam +6º, 2.5" exhaust, dual turbo sways, e-fanned oil cooler, crunchified M46, spun bearings and rod knock from hell.

10-31-2005, 04:30 PM	#2
Forg Board Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Retirement Village, Sydney	None of the redblocks have had any block-related reliability problems that I'm aware of; I have heard the term "core shift" bandied about, but I think that was more an issue with the B21/B23 series. I don't know if it's particularly an issue unless you're boring it out, in any case? The thing people talk about with the '85-'88 blocks (and I think they may have had some sitting around after 1988, I don't think it's safe to automatically assume a 1989 car has the bigger bearings) is the smaller bearings & rods. They're therefore weaker engines. However, I know of at least one person who was running lots of boost using a large turbo & through a huge custom intercooler; and using a 1986 B230FT. This car was punished for at least 3 years before I lost touch with him. So while they're not The Ultimate, these early engines are capable of coping with the sort of power your average +T attempts to put through them. __________________ When I'm cruisin' in overdrive ... Don't have to listen to no run-of-the-mill talk jive. Shatner: The Colonel is breakdancing ... gimme a break!! Rollins: Credit terms raised! Shatner: I can't get behind any of that! Shatner: I can't get behind so-called singers that can't carry a tune, get paid for talking, how easy is that? Well, maybe I could get behind that ... Rollins: Well, I can't!!

10-31-2005, 05:02 PM	#3
n xntrx volvo Newbie Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: corinth, ms / los angeles	that set up will be fine, just upgrade the rods. __________________ my cars (click me) I'm not here, Please leave a message after the tone........(or email me).

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10-31-2005, 09:08 PM	#4
harley Board Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Oak Ridge, TN	so is $400 too much for a 56mm mains crank?

11-01-2005, 12:02 PM	#6
n xntrx volvo Newbie Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: corinth, ms / los angeles	no its not. one from sten is 650. just remember you're going to need a shorter piston or rod to go with it.