Strange Place For The Thrust Bearing
 

A guy I know, is working on a '72 TA for a customer. I went and looked at it a few weeks ago just out of curiosity. They already knew it had the wrong heads but we also found that it had a SR block. Well the engine got removed so the correct 7F6 heads could be installed. I went back down to check out the short block and check the VIN on the transmission and this is what I found. I never cease to be amazed at the stupid stuff people can do.

"If it fits, it ships!"
I have seen that as well. Funny, they can run a long time that way.

Any chance you might know what the SR number is on the block?

Holly crap!
Are those indeed factory Moraine 400 series main Bearings in those main journals, as that's not a factory timing chain?

Any port in a storm I guess! That is when parts need to get off the assembly line and into the replacement parts stream!

I guess there was vastly different levels of quality control and scrutiny with low production number motors.

Well atleast the customer/ owner got a correct replacement 4 bolt main block like he should have if indeed that was assembled like that from day 1.

The #1 main cap looks like it's not even touching the block on the left side in the first pic. I'm surprised that it held together for any length of time.
I hope they plan on going thru the short block too.

I was just going to say the same thing until I saw your reply. Ive seen pistons and rod in backwards but that's a first for me.

Also the snout of that Crank looks kinda beat in spots like the Balancer was walking some!

Here you go.

Thank you! And I'm assuming this is an otherwise basic 485428 casting?

Yes.

Thanks for the clarification on the casting number.

With that 1973 cast date, it coincides with the fact that all 485428 SR blocks produced around that time were equipped with 4-bolt main caps. Not that it likely matters from an originality standpoint, but that's probably the original SR block for the particular '72 Trans Am.

I had no idea they numbered the SR blocks.