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-   -   Is this block junk with these cracks? (https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=884421)

LM93 02-27-2026 04:46 AM

Is this block junk with these cracks?
 
1 Attachment(s)
My Pontiac engine block got magnaflux'ed at the machine shop and they found these cracks between coolant holes. The yellow lines are powder. It's a small local shop so weld repairing isn't something they offer. I'd have to find somewhere else to send it to, or learn how to drill and stitch myself(not impossible, I've used power tools for years). It's just a basic 350 so I'm not trying to save a 455SD or anything.

LM93 02-27-2026 09:47 AM

The thin yellow lines between the yellow paint pen marks are powder, I mean. The shop left it on the cracks to show me them.

78w72 02-27-2026 09:54 AM

Probably get better replies not in the body shop section... try street or race.

srmmmm 02-27-2026 11:38 AM

The cracks in that location will prevent the head bolt from maintaining its torque setting over time. There are plenty of 350 blocks available. I wouldn't mess with welding it up.

TXSTARFIRE 02-27-2026 11:43 AM

Out of curiosity, is that a common place for a block to crack and what would cause a crack like that?

grandam1979 02-27-2026 11:44 AM

It would cost more to have welded than a different block would cost you. My2¢

bdk1976 02-27-2026 12:04 PM

Curious what was the machine shop's opinion was (on being junk or not)?

I would scrap it and buy a 400+ CI block. I realize things have dried up quite a bit but if you're patient and resourceful you can still find them. NFW would I dump $ into a 326/350, especially one with a crack in it.

AG 02-27-2026 08:18 PM

Not worth repairing, find a 400 or 455 block if you are rebuilding.

srmmmm 02-28-2026 03:59 PM

1 Attachment(s)
350 block with a 4.25" crank gets you 400 cubic inches too :) And in my case, 453HP.

Goatracer1 03-08-2026 01:44 PM

I had my 389 block that was cracked in 3 places repaired by "stitching" it. I did not however have cracks at a head bolt hole. I think I would pass on that block.

turbo69bird 03-09-2026 01:21 AM

Absolutely repairable but idk why I have an extra 350 block . I've hit a nice 455 w aftermarket caps , a 428 and a 400 . If it's not numbers matching to your car I'd just get something else . Plenty of stuff out there


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