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#1
11-25-2005, 08:23 PM
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Main girdle
We are in the works of machining a combination main girdle and main cap support for our 700+ HP 400. If anyone is interested in this project, let me know. We are using a custom pan and windage tray. Stock application has not been addressed yet. I will have some pictures soon.
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#2
11-25-2005, 08:40 PM
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Yeah, I inquired about one of these a few years ago. I think steve barcak (sp?) was making one. I would like to see some pics or diagrams of what you have. Do you think it will work with the IA2 block? Thanks lug
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If its one thing I know, its..... Uhhh I forgot  .What do you mean I couldnt be the president of the United States of America, Its still WE THE PEOPLE, RIGHT!!  
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#3
11-25-2005, 09:02 PM
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I would be interested too.
When I first encountered them on fords, I thought what a hunk of junk. Since then my attitude has changed considerably. |
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#4
11-25-2005, 09:34 PM
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Quote:
Likely would'nt run either of those without one now... Do feel there is a place for them,just hard to package them in a "stock" type situation. Pics would be intresting,will look forward to them. |
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#5
11-25-2005, 09:30 PM
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We have only work with stock blocks over the past few years. We're not that familiar with the IA2 block. Doesn't the IA2 block have 4 bolt slayed mains? Do you really need a girdle on this block ?
This is not just a stud girdle, but also a main cap support that we are using on a stock block 400. There is some slight machining of the caps invilved, but nothing that could not be handled. I will have the finished product done in a few days, so I will take some pics of the installed part. |
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#6
11-25-2005, 10:21 PM
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Quote:
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#7
11-25-2005, 09:47 PM
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We are not using it in a stock environment, but we will check out the feasability of doing that. But then again, if you are needing a stud girdle, I would figure that you also would be at the point of needing an aftermarket pan, so it may all be a moot point. I guess we'll see. I want to do the prototype for our engine, then see what you guys think. We can change or improve it from there.
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#8
11-25-2005, 10:37 PM
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I understand what you are saying. I have seen the type that you speak of, such as the type offered by Mondello that ties into the pan rail of the block. Every main cap strap setup, I have ever seen, has only made contact with the cap at a small point in the center. I'm not too thrilled about that setup either. I'm afraid that if the cap was machined flat, it would require too much material to be removed and therefore weaken the cap. We are machining the cap, but only a small amount to allow a flat contact pad for the support to rest. You idea would be nice, but I'm afraid it would be tough to do on a Pontiac without a lot of Computer time and machining, on both the girdle and the caps, for what may be a small gain in support. Just my thought on the subject.
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#9
11-26-2005, 12:57 AM
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Quote:
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#10
11-26-2005, 01:50 AM
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I place here in IL called Danny's speed shop (DSS) specializes primarily in SBF's. About 5-7 years ago, they branced out into the GM world and did produce a CNC'd girdle for traditional Pontiac motors. I have one of their catalogs and it was listed but not pictured. I don't see it on their website but as it was CNC'd, maybe they would be willing to part with the program for the right $$$. I believe they split up and DSS moved to St. Charles IL recently. Danny's is listed in Addison IL but does not have a website.
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#11
11-26-2005, 02:50 AM
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We've already got it in the computer, we just need to run it. We will be popping one out next week. We'll be reassembling the engine and I'll shoot some pics.
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#12
11-26-2005, 10:16 AM
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All the heavy hitting Buick GS motors I see at the machine shop have a main girdle.
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#13
11-26-2005, 03:18 PM
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The Big Block Buick (BBB) is an excellent power machine because of the big bores as compared to the Pontiac 455's. With the TA Performance cylinder heads these engines can crank out some power. The problem is the Buick blocks are not as strong a the Pontiac block and need the girdle to survive even moderate performance build ups. As for the Pontiac 400 needing a girdle I am not sure if it would be needed. Maybe for a long stroke 455 but don't think a 400 with a 3.75 stroke would need one. Marty Pablik (please excuse spelling) went 200 MPH in a door slammer with a 400 and I don't believe he broke any blocks? I very well could be wrong about this, is anyone breaking any 400 blocks?
Tim C
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Tim Corcoran |
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#14
11-26-2005, 05:17 PM
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I know mine won't be the best example but I have a total of seven years on my shortblock. Stock 455 crank modified to fit the 400 block and cast rods. In it's current level of tune I'm estimating around 700hp. Runs 9.72@137 on the motor in a 3200lb car at altitude.
No serious issues with the block since i built it, but a little extra insurance wouldn't hurt the next time it's freshened Last edited by RAIV55; 11-26-2005 at 05:24 PM. |
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#15
11-26-2005, 10:55 PM
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Quote:
girdle might have helped?
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#16
11-26-2005, 11:58 PM
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Wonder if a band aid would help if applied before the break?
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#17
11-26-2005, 05:43 PM
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That's maimly the reason we are doing it. We have the motor apart and we just want a little insurance. Better to have and not need, than to need and not have. I just brought it up in the forum, because we were doing it and wanted to let you guys know if you wanted to follow us in the project. We have access to the machine shop and a master machinist. I think sometimes we have parts made, just to make them....lol.
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#18
11-26-2005, 07:21 PM
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I think the Buick boys have a little more head airflow also.
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#19
11-26-2005, 09:11 PM
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I guess anther issue would be even if you are not ripping blocks in half the girdle would still reduce block flexing. If the block is more stable you would have less stress on the crank also. My next build up will be a 455 block with a stroked factory 455 crank. I might use a girdle if the process is not too difficult. I appreciate you offering to share your girdle project with us.
Tim C
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Tim Corcoran |
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#20
11-26-2005, 09:35 PM
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Here is just a thought, and not to take anything away from this idea, maybe it said but do you use factory caps with this? I just was figuring out a price to do up a 400 block, and by the time I had all the parts and maching work I was already at $2000-$2200 on wasted machine work and parts so now you add in a girdle which is how much 500-1000? I am probably wrong but I thought the buick one was around 1000 so now you have 3000+ into a factory block? I dont know but it does not make much sense to me....Like I said I am in no way taking away from this idea because I am sure that people would buy it and it is a good idea, just wondering if it is too late....
Chad
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