I'm plan to build a 427 and just want to get an idea of which to go with. Does anyone have any experience with either of them? I've heard the both blocks were awesome but don't know of anyone that has really used one. Not around here anyway.
The block needs to have 4.125" diameter if I use the rocket block, I will have to use the tall deck version (9.325") along with several special items such as cam bearings, custom oil pan, remote oil filter kit, intake manifold spacers, etc. The price? $2,149 for the block. (Getting the standard deck height, 9.025", with the 4.00" bore diameter and 350 main bearings is really not something I even going to consider.) The Little "M" block on the other hand is $1,850 and I don't believe it requires all the special accessories the rocket block does. I'm not entirely sure. Maybe someone can clear that up. I'll also have to go with a 4.00" stroke. I believe Callies makes one for around $1,400 but am not entirely sure. Anyway, I'm leaning towards the rocket block for now but nothing is for certain. Maybe you guys could help me figure that one out. Thanks.

 

I got the Little M sportsman, (same as Little M, only with ductile iron main caps, about $300 cheaper). Everything is in the same place as a GM block (cam not raised, takes regular timing chain. etc), also has splayed caps. Max. bore is 4.185, max stroke is 4.000, with clearancing. You can get them with either 350 or 400 mains. Mine has a 3.75 stroke, is going to require minor clearancing on #1 and #7. Has tons of oil holes for any add-ons you might need. Don't know if the price you quoted is with freight, but I got mine from Herbert Performance in NC, $1698, plus freight. Let me know if you have more questions, I'll try to help. Also, you might want to consider a Cola crank, before you buy the Callie's. They are both very good, only the Cola might save you a few bucks.

 

Thanks for the response. The prices I quoted are from SDPC minus the shipping. Would you happen to know the major differences in the block and how they perform? Would the Little "M" with the 4.125" bore need clearancing to fit the 4.00" stroke? I'm under the impression that neither it nor the Rocket Block would need it. I'll have to get in touch with them to find out for sure.

 

I went thru the same selection process a few mos. ago and at the present all of my parts are at the shop of my engine builder. I went with the little M. The rocket block or the Iron Eagle(Darts version of the rocket) definantly have some advantages in being able to run the larger diameter camshaft and they more than likely will not have to have the grinding done for clearance that the little M will need. But you can do or have a lot of grinding done for the difference in the additional special application parts "oil pan, timing set/cover etc...". Every thing will fit in the little M block that will fit in the other two W/ the only difference being the cam diameter.
Scoggin Dickey had the best price @$1750. I also went with a 4" stroke Cola forged crank. They have an excellent ruputation and it ran 800 bucks from S.D.also. If you want more info. give me a call @ 618-943-6686 and maybe I can save you a little leg work and a few bucks, plus I'm a damn slow typist.

Hope this helps, Bruce (70GTO)

 

Thanks Bruce. You're response really helped. I just might end of going with the Little "M". I hear they are awesome blocks. I think I'll get in touch with SDPC and see if they can clearance the block and assemble the bottom end for me and see what kind of price they can give me. Also, is there any real differences between the cola crank and the callies crank besides the price?

 

I would also recommend the Dart,although my opinion might be a little one-sided. My son works for Dart and preps all the steel blocks when they come in from the foundry. The check list and inspection they go through is outstanding.
We just got an Iron Eagle for our second 3rd gen buildup. We have'nt gotten all the components yet. We did get some 6.2 Oliver Billet rods real cheap,so were going to do some kind of a 430ci--454ci setup.

Good luck

 

Callies are great cranks and if you want to spend the extra thats ok. Personally I think the only thing that you are getting different is the name. I'd stay away from scat, Heard of a few folks that had failures using them. The guy building my engine runs a Cola crank in his Super Gas drag Car and has 3years on the bottom end with out any problems. Sorry I don,t have Cola's phone number, but call and talk to Raoul (sp?) He can help you decide what you want (knife edging,lightening holes etc...)
Bruce

 

I agree with 70GTO about the do it yourself clearancing, would be less expensive in the long run being able to use off the shelf parts. My little M will only need about .005 clearancing for the 3.75 stroke on two cylinders, so that tells you it wouldn't be too much problem to clearance for the 4.00. You can call Cola Cranks at either 310-639-7700 or 310-537-0506, one of these numbers doesn't work, but I can't remember which. Agreeing with 70GTO again, speak with Raul, he can answer any question you may have. One piece of advice on any crankshaft you buy, make sure it has been initially balanced from the factory (either internal or external, then your machinist will finish), my 4340 forged wasn't (my mistake for not asking) and it was too light for my application, and cost me extra to have mallory put in to get it to balance.