I know Snow Tech magazine has had several sleds with that engine,something like 10,000 miles total on that engine with no failures.They say the cranks are very rugged and long lasting even when the engines are piped.That says something as it seems alot of sleds are'nt that reliable when modded.When I read this I thought it was good news seeing I have also.I just remembered that in '98 I believe they beefed up the crank bearing,but I understand that there was never really a problem with them though.