A Ford inline 6 Lover with a GM V-8 question.

I know I am working on the ultimate enemy, a GM V-8!!!! I just got a '78 Cadillac engine for free from my uncle and I read yesterday that the crankshaft for the '78 425 V-8 is weak and can break if you try and race it. Is that true? What kind of Crank can I replace it with that would be stronger? I haven't taken the engine apart yet to see what kind of condition it is in. I don't know the exact miles that are on it because the sixth spot on the odometer isn't there. It's over 100k for sure. The original car weighs 4500 pounds. I want to use it on something that weights around 2500 pounds, maybe less. Will that screw up the balence or driveability of the car? What would be the speed and RPM max for this engine?

The crank in the 425 is not the weak point, it's the rods. They are only good to about 5000 and then BAM!

Get in touch with Maximum Torque Specialties http://500cid.com/mts/info.htm

They also have a forum that is very busy
http://www.hwforums.com/2089/

They have a lot of good information on the 425. It's no dog, it just needs a little help.

John