[A26B]

I am working with Norbert as the go-between with Moldex to make the flat plane crank. I consulted with Graham for Norbert about flat plane cranks before ordering from Moldex. Before talking to Graham, I had no idea there are two different designs of flat plane cranks for a V8. One has alternating rod throws, the other has the center two throws on the same side. The application depends on the type of intake, common plenum or isolated banks which includes individual cylinder throttle bodies.

No question the oil pump failed but it may have failed due to the main bearings. The thrust surface of #3 was gone and #2 & #4 were toast. The main bearing failure could have allowed excessive crank walk & vibration which destroyed the oil pump. The likely scenario is oil starvation initiated the main bearing & rod bearing failure, precipitating the oil pump catastrophe. In either regard, the last I spoke with him, a dry sump oil system is in the rebuild plan.

Norbert is in pursuit of a really hi-revving engine with the lightest possible rotating mass.

As a side note, the main journal studs developed by Todd Pepmeier will be used in the new engine.

When I came to the ZR-1 arena, as a johnny-come-lately in 2002, there were less than a dozen 415 LT5's and even fewer 385's, 368's being the more popular modification due to cost. The continuing development of the LT5 modifications for the masses is incredible, with displacement pushed upwards to 440 & more economical than ever. It's the little engine that could.