Ford 172 engine

[740]

Has anyone out there ever stroked a 172 Ford engine? If so, how much stroke can one go? If you have, who can do the crank work?

Thanks,

 

[PitCrew]

740,
I haven't done mine yet, plan to do so this winter. I know there are many that are, hopefully they will reply. I've heard that 2" additional is possible. I Plan to add 1.1 inches to mine fron 3.60 to 4.70 depending on the actual deck height of the block it may change a little either way. If I have the crank journals welded up and turned to the Chevy 2.0" rod journal I can use the existing 4.160 forged pistons with the 2.10 compression height and a 5.7" aftermarket chevy rod. Since the rod may interfere with the piston skirts I may have to cut the skirts off. But there is plenty of piston left for stability. The only other issue I can see is a possible interference with the stock oil pump. I'll also have to have the cheeks of the rod journals welded up to compensate for the thinner SBC rods big end and bush the small end to .910 for the ford piston.

That's my plan, hope it works!

 

[PitCrew]

Another note, the 172 gas crank is cast and not a good candidate for welding, a 173 diesel crank is the same demension and is forged steel. I have one that I will start with. I'll also have the rotating assembly balanced when done.