For those that may not know the 59 block is substantially beefier than the 400/455 blocks. I have a 2 bolt block and a 4 bolt block (both 59's) the pan rail is beefier, the bulkheads are way beefier(resemble big block chevy) quite a bit more metal in the webbing,(Pontiac used this same block to make the 1st 421's just by opening the main bores and some additional machining) the main caps are approximately 1/4 inch taller from the parting line than any 400 cap I have seen. One of my blocks is .150" over (4.21 bore). I havent really compared the lifter galley area but wouldnt be surprised to find it is beefier there as well. These blocks are very strong, the main reason why Steve B uses them. Downside is the bell housing pattern doesnt fit any of the newer transmissions and there is no way to mount a starter on the block. I dont think Steves girdle would be as effective on the newer blocks due to the pan rail differences. JMO on that.
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