Does "forged" mean forged steel or forged aluminum, or what kinda metal? And a forged bottom end means: rods, pistons and what else? What are ALL the components to a complete forged bottom end?

 

It would be forged rods, pistons, and crank. As for the type of metal, I think you can get either, but it depends on how much money you want to spend, but I'm not 100% sure on that.

Yeah, I just looked it up and you can get either type of metal, but the aluminum is obviously more expensive.

 

Aluminum is more expensive

 

So you can choose between forged steel and forged aluminum?? Both of them are acceptable, and both are very strong? Which one is stronger?

 

forging is a process by which a metal is formed, like casting...just done under a lot of pressure. Magnesium, aluminum, steel...if its a metal you can forge it. just like billet is not a metal (keep looking on the periodic table its not there) but a classification on the purity of a set type of metal. The components of a bottom end include: Crankshaft, Thrust and main cap bearings, connecting rods, rod boltsand their rod bearings, pistons and their 3 respective rings and piston pin, it should also include things like the oil pump, oil pan, pick up tube and you can even include smaller things like the front and rear main seals, main caps, main studs and windage tray. Thats all i can think of right this sec...be back if i remember more

 

billet generally means it was machine from a solid block of metal... but I think with the "billet grills" this term is used very loosely. it has nothing to do with purity or content of the material.

 

Thanks all, I know this question may have been asked before I haven't searched, but generally how much does it cost to buy and install all the forged components? And what metal is most commonly used for bottom ends? Do most people just go with rods, pistons and crank, or do they get all the things that ponysnake99 listed?

 

basically - 1500 in parts and 1500 in install give or take

 

your going to get a steel crank either way, your biggest dicission comes with the rods. Aluminum rods will reduce rotating mass, making revs quicker, but (while controversial) most people go forged steel h-beams in their street car, you'll probably get all you need in a rotating kit, from the tri-metal bearings to the moly rings. Pistons you just need to worry bout them being forged i doubt there's many metals to choose from. Main studs and rod bolts are optional though as well as a windage tray but they can't hurt if you buy them. A good rotating kit from a respected company should include everything you will need.

 

if you buy a pre-built block, it'll be about $2800-$3100 for a block goot to 900-1000HP. if there's a machine shop local to you, you can get the parts and build it yourself. too much of a hassel to me. it's also a good idea to get new heads and cams for it.