sbc cranks

Is there any way to tell the difference between a stock cast crank and a stock forged crank. 3849847 is the casting number of my 283 crank. one website said that it is forged another said cast. wich is corect?

 

how wide is the parting line? if it's narrow, less than 1/8", then it's cast. If it's wide, 1/4" or more, then it's forged.

 

A cast crank has a single split running through it just like any other casting. A forged crank has a split about 3/8 to 1/2 inch wide and appears to be "ground off" all along the line. A non-twisted crank has a straight forging line running the length of the crank. I hope this makes sense.

 

a picture is worth half a dozen words, at least. Here is a cast crankshaft and a forged crankshaft.

 

does anyone have some pics i can use to compare? Iwould put pics of mine up but i dont have a digital cam.

 

damn i got a cast.but it aint gonna stop my from using it

 

Squirrel's pictures should tell the tale for you. You can lay your pinkie finger on the parting line of a forged crank, and it will be about the same width. Do you know what year your engine is? All Chevy small blocks from 1955-63 had forged cranks.