fits make: Plymouth, Dodge, Mopar. year: 1956–1973.

( Brand: Mopar ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 3514151 ), ( Part Type: Bearing Crankshaft ), ( Vintage Part: Yes ), ( Country Of Origin: United States ), ( Performance Part: No )
The **Mopar 3514151 Crankshaft (Standard Bearing Groove, 1956 1973 Plymouth/Dodge)** is a meticulously crafted, high-performance component designed to deliver uncompromising strength and reliability in vintage and restored muscle cars from the legendary Plymouth and Dodge lineup. Engineered to fit a wide range of classic V8 engines including the iconic **318, 340, 361, and 383** this crankshaft is forged from premium alloy steel, ensuring exceptional durability under high-stress conditions such as heavy towing, high-performance driving, or daily use in a restored street rod. The **standard bearing groove** design, featuring precise machining and polished surfaces, guarantees smooth operation and optimal oil retention, reducing friction and extending the life of your engine s main bearings. This crankshaft is a direct replacement for the original factory parts found in the **1956 1973 Plymouth Belvedere, Fury, Satellite, and Dodge Coronet, Polara, and Dart**, making it an essential upgrade for enthusiasts seeking to restore authenticity or enhance performance. Whether you're rebuilding a classic muscle car for show or street use, this crankshaft delivers the rugged reliability and timeless engineering that Mopar is renowned for, ensuring your engine runs with the same power and precision as it did in its heyday.
### **Pros and Cons of Buying a Mopar 351/361 (1956 1973 Plymouth/Dodge) Crankshaft with Standard Bearing Grooves**
#### **Pros**
1. **Compatibility with Stock and Modified Engines**
- The 351/361 crankshaft is a classic Mopar design that fits a wide range of applications, from stock 351 Cleveland and 361 wedge engines to later 318, 340, and 360 engines. This makes it a versatile choice for restorations, swaps, or performance builds.
- Many aftermarket parts (rods, pistons, bearings, etc.) are designed to work with this crankshaft, making modifications easier.
2. **Durability and Proven Reliability**
- The 351/361 crankshaft was built to last, with forged steel construction and standard bearing grooves that were adequate for stock and mild performance applications.
- If properly maintained, these cranks can handle high-mileage use without catastrophic failure, especially in less demanding applications.
3. **Cost-Effective for Basic Applications**
- Compared to modern or high-performance cranks, a used or lightly used 351/361 crankshaft is relatively inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option for restorations or simple swaps.
- Rebuilding a stock engine with this crank can be cheaper than sourcing a brand-new or upgraded part.
4. **Availability of Parts and Resources**
- Due to the crank s age and popularity, replacement parts (main bearings, seals, oil pumps, etc.) are widely available from Mopar, aftermarket suppliers, and eBay.
- There is a large community of Mopar enthusiasts who can provide guidance on modifications, rebuilds, and troubleshooting.
5. **Potential for Upgrades**
- While the stock crank has standard bearing grooves, it can be upgraded with oversized bearings or a forged crankshaft if more power is desired. This makes it a stepping stone for future modifications.
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#### **Cons**
1. **Limited Strength for High-Performance Use**
- The standard bearing grooves and stock crankshaft are not designed for extreme power levels (e.g., forced induction, high RPM, or heavy-duty street/strip use). Running high compression, nitrous, or turbocharging without proper reinforcement can lead to premature failure.
- The crank s main journals and rod journals are not oversized, which limits its ability to handle high stress without modification.
2. **Potential for Wear and Damage**
- If the crankshaft has been previously used, it may show signs of wear (e.g., scored journals, bent rods, or cracked cheeks). A thorough inspection (or a professional crankshaft inspection) is essential before purchasing.
- Stock cranks are not always balanced, which can cause vibration and premature wear in high-RPM applications.
3. **Maintenance Requirements**
- Like any older part, a 351/361 crankshaft requires regular maintenance to ensure longevity. This includes proper lubrication, bearing replacement, and inspection for cracks or imbalance.
- If the engine is used in a demanding application (e.g., towing, racing, or high-mileage driving), the crankshaft and related components (rods, bearings, oil pump) will need more frequent attention.
4. **Limited Longevity Under Heavy Loads**
- While stock cranks can handle stock and mild performance use, they are not built for sustained high-stress applications. Over time, the stock bearing grooves and forgings may fatigue, leading to failure if not upgraded.
- Forcing more power than the crank was designed for (e.g., 400 HP without reinforcement) can shorten its lifespan significantly.
5. **Potential for Counterfeit or Poor-Quality Parts**
- Due to the crank s popularity, there is a risk of encountering counterfeit or poorly made replicas, especially on the used market. Always verify the authenticity and condition of the part before purchasing.
- Some sellers may misrepresent the crank s condition (e.g., claiming it s "new" when it s actually used or damaged).
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### **Conclusion**
The Mopar 351/361 crankshaft with standard bearing grooves is a solid choice for **stock restorations, mild performance builds, or budget-friendly swaps** where high power is not a primary concern. Its compatibility, availability, and proven durability make it a practical option for enthusiasts who prioritize reliability over extreme power output.
However, if you plan to run **high compression, forced induction, or heavy-duty applications**, this crankshaft will require **upgrades (e.g., oversized bearings, a forged crank, or balancing)** to prevent failure. In such cases, investing in a higher-quality or performance-oriented crankshaft (e.g., a forged 351W or 360) may be more appropriate.
For **casual driving, classic car restorations, or light modifications**, the stock 351/361 crankshaft is a **good, cost-effective solution**. For **serious performance or racing applications**, it is better suited as a **temporary or budget-friendly stepping stone** rather than a long-term solution.
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### **Recommendation**
- **Buy it if:**- You are restoring a stock or mildly modified 351/361 engine for daily driving or light performance.
- You plan to use it in an application where power output is moderate (e.g., 250 350 HP naturally aspirated).
- You are on a tight budget and can afford to upgrade components (bearings, rods, oil pump) as needed.
- You have access to a reliable inspection (e.g., a crankshaft inspection machine) to verify its condition.
- **Avoid or upgrade it if:**- You plan to run **forced induction, high compression, or extreme power levels** without reinforcement.
- You need a crankshaft for **racing, towing, or high-mileage use** without modifications.
- You cannot verify the crank s authenticity or condition before purchase.
- You want a **long-term, high-stress solution** consider a forged crankshaft instead.
**Final Verdict:** The 351/361 stock crankshaft is a **practical and affordable option for stock and mild performance applications**, but it is not ideal for high-power builds without upgrades. Always inspect the part thoroughly and consider your engine s intended use before committing to purchase.
Part Number: 3514151. Happy motoring. We started acquiring NOS over 50 years ago and never stopped. Type: NOS New Old Stock.
Make: Dodge, Plymouth, Chrysler, Deist. All we ask is that ship back with original box. 1956-1973 Plymouth Dodge LA Crankshaft Standard Bearing Full Groove 3514151 NOS. Year: 1956-1973.