Quote Originally Posted by 89HST View Post
Why not send the crank out to dave eden, have him machine the crank pin area wider and re heat treat it? That would allow you a little more area for bearing surfaces on the dual rod idea.
Modifying the crank is certainly possible, along with staggering the blocks 1/4" to negate the offset. But, the objective is to assemble with the least invasive change to learn if the engine will start easily (enough) and behave itself. If it does, further expense is warranted. Remember there is zero cylinder pumping........