Your local shop is correct. The Vito crank has had problems with being weak and not holding up. If you are doing a build, then do it right the first time. Go with the 4mm.
Is the 4mm's worth of extra stroke that much of a difference ? I have heard alot that a longer stroke is more effective than a bigger bore in these little blasters so i was just wondering at we talking HOLY CRAP more power or is more like it could pass as a really well tuned stocker with some mods ?
It´s very sad to hear that! .. I made a COMPLETE rebuild 6mds ago.. With the Vito crank as core..
So i can expect sometime it will break apart?
just keep an eye on them,i had a guy running a vito +3 for over a year then he changed cranks,i think they stuffer material is reacting with the fuel and seperating from the crank webs,maybe something to talk to vitos about.
i know when i pulled his out some of the stuffer was gone around the big end.another thing i think i noticed, the thrust washers wearing the crank webs out because they only have the conrod and the stuffer material to wear on and the side to side play was pritty bad
I haven't had an issue with mine yet?, it's been in there for two years now and I run it HARD! in the sand.
No problem's from my vito's crank either. I did have a brand new hot rod crank in my old 250r and it lasted about 6 month's. The rod snapped and went through the front of the cylinder. They (hot rods) paid for a new rod but I had to replace the cylinder, port job and piston. I'll never run one again.