ponjohn cant speak for mark but My 59 block was basically free. It came with a car I bought and I almost left it with the guy. I'm likely to add splayed caps and maybe a lifter brace IF I decide to go roller. So basically looking at cost of GOOD machine work, and splayed caps. Paul has added a center deck support for Mark. I dont see it as a must have as these blocks have a pretty thick deck and cylinder walls. Plus reinforcing rib on pan rail, thick meaty bulkheads and even 2 bolt stock caps are pretty stout.
The block/trans/starter adapter is available aftermarket for like $800. I dont like the design at all, partially because its 3/4" thick and uses a crank spacer and Mopar(I think) starter. All unneeded IMO. Mines 1/4" thick and puts bell flange in same plane as 400/455 relative to crank flange. I'll be using an IMI mini starter for a 61-64 full size but a same app delco will work. Using std 2.75" register Pontiac flexplate. I'm making my own for way under a $100(plus starter). Mondello offered to copy it in the cnc if I want to duplicate them. I didnt discuss cost(yet). I plan to duplicate my aluminum proto type in mild steel regardless and can do without cnc. The aluminum scrap I used is unknown grade and rather soft plus steel I can weld nuts where aluminum would have been a bit more difficult bolt arrangement.
Are they strong ? Yes Pontiac used the casting for special projects and revised them for RA5 and SD455. Dont think RA5 or SD455 had thickwall casting cylinder walls though, they did get a better cam tunnel. 59 seems a bit meatier in the valley than newer blocks but still open.
Its not an IA2 but with turbo power and approx 6000-6500 rpm redline and 3.75-4.0" stroke I dont see much issue using it to 1000+hp TURBO'd with the right parts. Heck MartyP's very well prepped 67 400 block went 3+ seasons over 1500 hp and 67 400 block while decent is NOT as strong as these are.
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