ORIGINAL: Toad
As far as the material on the AP crank, I have no idea, THe norvel's measure 57-60 crc so I know their stuff is good. I never tempered them softer. (cant go harder)
I have no clue what material the norvel is either.
Having fun
Hmmm, that's pretty hard. I saw on your web site a picture of one of your Norvel engines and cranks where you relived the portion forward of the intake to reduce weight and surface area of the bearing surface. How did you do that? Grind it or use a carbide cutter?
cheers, Graham