SCAT Crankshafts is taking a little lesson learned from Formula 1 and applying that trick to its Ultra Q-Lite Stroker H-beam connecting rod series

“Everyone’s going to lighter pistons, so we’ve launched a lighter connecting to keep up,” says SCAT’s Matthew Hajimomen, noting that the line is now expanded to eight applications. “The trend is to lighten up all the rotating components to reduce windage.”

Three new late-model Hemi crankshafts are available from SCAT.

Drilling a hole to lighten a connecting rod seem obvious, but the critical decision is where.

“The integrity of the rod could be jeopardized,” says Hajimomen. “We keep it low by the big end to maintain the strength factor. We also chamfer the edges to allow smoother airflow.”

This line of SCAT connecting rods is made from 2-piece 4340 forgings and come with a special doweled cap that is profiled for stroker applications to ensure proper clearance. The rods come with 1.4-inch 7/16-inch ARP 8740 cap screws with an ARP 2000 upgrade available. Current applications for the Chevy small-block include lengths of 6.000- and 6.125-inch with a 1.888-inch bearing; 5.700-, 5.850-, 6.000- and 6.125-inch (newest model) lengths with a 2.000-inch bearing; and 6.000- and 6.125-inch lengths with a 2.100-inch bearing.

SCAT is expanding its line of complete rotating assemblies, including numerous applications for the Ford 351W.

Also new in the SCAT booth at SEMA was a forged 4340 standard-weight crankshaft for  late-model HEMI engines. Three strokes are available: 3.900- and 4.050-inch with 2.000-inch rod bearings and 3.795-inch with 2.100-inch bearing. All weigh 60 pounds and include straight shot oil holes, large radius and lightening holes on the rod radius and nitrided hardened for improve wear resistance.

SCAT also expanded its line of complete rotating assemblies by showing off a new Ford 351 kit that includes Series 9000 cast crank, Pro Comp I-beam connecting rods with 7/16-inch cap screws and a choice of forged or premium-forged pistons. Four part numbers are offered — all with 4.030-inch pistons and a 4.000-inch stroke. Compression ratio ranges from 9.4:1 up to 12.6:1, depending on piston style and combustion chambers.