should I buy a block without main caps?
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From: Coupeville, Washington
Car: 1986 IROC T-TOP
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700-R4
should I buy a block without main caps?
I've been wanting to build a 383 and found an 3970010 casting 4 bolt main bare block, .10 over now and owner says should clean up with a hone only for $50. But he doesn't have the main caps for it. From what I have read those aren't something I can just get from another block and bolt on. Is this right and what kind of extra machining costs would I be looking at to make some others work if it is needed. Would I be better off finding a block with caps and spending $100 on it or pick this one up for $50.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 360
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From: Minnesnowta
Car: 1987 Camaro Z28
Engine: 355ci, XE262 , 650dp
Transmission: T-5, RAM clutch
Axle/Gears: 3.23 limited slip
Re: should I buy a block without main caps?
I'd pass and keep searching.
Why wouldn't dude have the caps?
Why wouldn't dude have the caps?
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Member
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 267
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From: Coupeville, Washington
Car: 1986 IROC T-TOP
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700-R4
Re: should I buy a block without main caps?
Think I will hold out. Still kicking around the idea of a SBC 400 also. I have everything I need to do a head/cam swap already (vortec heads w/ comp cam XE 268H-10).
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Joined: Jul 1999
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From: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: should I buy a block without main caps?
Pass unless the block is free. Buying new caps and having the block line honed would be an added expense that you don't need.
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 168
From: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: should I buy a block without main caps?
Any block can have a roller cam. The older blocks just don't have a keyway for OEM style lifter alignment. You just need to use lifters with link bars in the older blocks.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 564
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From: Albuquerque NM
Car: 1985 Camaro Z28
Engine: 5.7 LSX
Transmission: Performabuilt 4L60E
Axle/Gears: Strange 12-bolt 3.73
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Safford, AZ
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: 305 (LO3)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73?
Re: should I buy a block without main caps?
True. But if you are looking for a 350 block, why choose a early block (up to 1979) when 87-up blocks all have OE roller cam provisions, rather than paying $500 for the roller link lifters?
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