Building first engine....help

[Jeff Chambers]

The 24# injectors aren't going to support any more than 400HP at the crank (on a good day), so you're fine with a stock crank and stock rods. I ran a stock crank all last season with 465+hp and it survived the season. I won't be pushing my luck in 2003 though :^)

If you've got dreams of staying N/A but making serious HP on down the road, then try to lighten the rotating assembly as much as possible. Its amazing what taking 100+ grams off each rod/piston combo does for power production and throttle response. The stock rods are pretty light and when outfitted with some ARP bolts will do just fine at your level. Also consider getting them bushed for full floating wrist pins. For pistons, I'd look at JE, CP or Diamond for high quality, lightweight pieces.