What is the horsepower limits on one of these 4.1 blocks. I was thinking of taking a 4.1 block and putting billet main caps in it. Stock turbo crank. Stock rods with arp bolts. And some good pistons and balance the rotating assembly. Would it hold 550rwhp reliably?
There is lots of good info in this thread, but "reliable 550rwhp" with stock crank and rods is a crap shoot?
When I built my first 4.1 years ago, the stock crank was a virgin and was fine in the 10's, but would I do it again, NO.
With the availability of reasonably priced forged parts, and the unknown capacity of a used cast crank, I would never take that chance as building any performance engine is not cheap. For example, a quality piston/ring package for a 4.1 stroker engine is at least $1000.
As far a ARP rod bolts, save your $$$ as we have never seen or experienced a stock rod bolt fail, the $$$ spent is better applied to a set of forged rods.
I know lots of guys get away with "budget builds", but we have seen many with expensive failures.
A BIG factor in reliability is how the car will be used? With lots of track use it is much more demanding and puts lots of stress on the engine which is not present on street driving, at least for a normal person!
Of course, there is a final determining factor, and that is your personal budget. The advise I give to my customers is build your car so it is operated below the limit of the weakest link.