I purchased a crate motor for my '72 Chevelle. It was advertized as having a "steel" crank and hyperutectic pistons.
I took the heads off the motor to have them opened up at a local shop.
I could be way off base here but I think that 'steel', 'castings' and hyperutectic items are all different things and that cast pieces should not be sold as 'steel' or hyperutectic.

question part one: are Hyperutectic and cast pistons definately two different animals and how do you tell the difference just by looking at them?

part two: can a cast crank be advertized as a steel crank?

part three: as an opinion, if a cast crank is advertized as steel, is it false advertizing?

part four: again, as an opinion, if the pistons are advertized as hyperutectic and they are actually cast, is that false advertizing?

Any knowledgeable advice on this will be VERY greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance.

Glenn

Well, Hypereutectic are cast pistons, so that shouldn't be an issue. See for info
http://www.hoon.tk/tech_tips/pistons.html
And I would think all normal auto engines have a steel crank. Some are forged steel, some cast steel, some billet steel, but all steel. Don't blame advertising for lack of research.

Originally posted by glenns:
I purchased a crate motor for my '72 Chevelle. It was advertized as having a "steel" crank and hyperutectic pistons.
I took the heads off the motor to have them opened up at a local shop.
I could be way off base here but I think that 'steel', 'castings' and hyperutectic items are all different things and that cast pieces should not be sold as 'steel' or hyperutectic.

question part one: are Hyperutectic and cast pistons definately two different animals and how do you tell the difference just by looking at them?

part two: can a cast crank be advertized as a steel crank?

part three: as an opinion, if a cast crank is advertized as steel, is it false advertizing?

part four: again, as an opinion, if the pistons are advertized as hyperutectic and they are actually cast, is that false advertizing?

Any knowledgeable advice on this will be VERY greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance.

Glenn =
=
Part one: No, Hypers are cast with a higher silcone content.

Part two: Yes

Part three: No

Part four: No

D1's, last sentence pretty much nailed it ;)

Ok guys, thanks much !
Glenn

d1,
I take exception to this statement: "And I would think all normal auto engines have a steel crank. Some are forged steel, some cast steel, some billet steel, but all steel"
Actually, most crankshafts are cast iron, the steel ones are the exception. 99% of Chevy cranks are cast iron.
Glenn, although an experienced engine builder can tell a lot by just looking .. the only way to know for sure is to look at part numbers on the pistons and crankshaft.
Hope this helps,

Yeah, Bill I guess that's what I was trying to say, just didn't come out that way. With all the new technology and alloys today.....steel - iron - cast - forged. Who knows what's in an engine. Like the rods that are some powdered stuff with parting lines and then the caps are BROKEN off so the fit is better... Its all amazing anyway. I'm thinking that a modern cast crank is comparable to an old forged one once you throw in the update methods and materials.

Dave