FAQ |
Members List |
Social Groups |
Calendar |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
#1
|
||||
|
||||
Butler unassembled short block?
Hey guys,
Alright so I've decided I'm gonna build a 428. Now I've got the quest of actually building it, however I was curious what you guys thought of the unassembled short block from butler. So aside from the initial sticker shock (really not too bad) once you break it down they sound like a good deal so correct me if I'm wrong and would love to hear if anyone hear has experience with them. Firstly 428 blocks don't come up that often Secondly once I find one I still have the risk of it being cracked and that time and money wasted Thirdly once I find a block and it turns out to be good I have to get the machine work done. Which most likely will include me having to buy a torque plate for boring it because the machinist I know do not do Pontiacs. So after those 3 items getting a guaranteed block from butler with the machine work done seems like a good deal. However they don't zero deck the block so I will have to get that done after receiving it or I wonder if I can pay them extra to do it at Butler. Anyways was thinking what you guys thought. |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
A fews years back I had Butler machine a small journal block and I bought the rotating asm as well. The block was fully prepped and spotless. The clearances were dead nuts. Pricey I suppose but they did a nice job
|
#3
|
|||
|
|||
for the cost of a 428 vs a good 481988 400 block & the stroker kits available today, it doesnt make much sense to pay the premium for a 428 or 455 block IMO if you plan to buy the rotating assembly anyways, just stroke a 400.
i bought a forged kit from butler & had my local machine shop build it, was much cheaper compared to having butler build it & ship it & if theres any problems i can bring it back to them locally to fix it, major hassle to ship an engine back to butler. but if local builer isnt an option nothing wrong with having butler build it, they will deck the block or do any other work you want if you pay for it. other option would be to ask around locally or on here for suggestions of a builder thats more local to your area that does do pontiacs, lots of good builders out there in most areas. Last edited by 78w72; 01-23-2022 at 03:15 PM. |
The Following User Says Thank You to 78w72 For This Useful Post: | ||
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
|
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
just replying to your questions about butler building it & providing some other options for other builders & the 400 option. best of luck on the 428 build. |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
I appreciate it just providing the reasoning behind it. I'm not seeing those price difference around here. If anything 400 block have shot up recently and are very near 455 prices. Bare blocks run about the same price 400 vs 455. The main journals are really the only reason to do a 400. Then rotating assemblies are identically priced. Good idea about calling around. Anyone from Washington have a good Machinist they use and a recent price from them? |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
i also agree there is no need to zero deck a block when you are starting from scratch with the parts, let the heads & pistons determine the compression needed & save the blocks usable life by leaving pistons at least .005 in the hole for future deck clean up. |
The Following User Says Thank You to 78w72 For This Useful Post: | ||
#8
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
|
#9
|
||||
|
||||
Why do you have to zero deck the motor? You should consider your CR. ALL 428 were fairly high compression engines from the factory.
__________________
"The Future Belongs to those who are STILL Willing to get their Hands Dirty" .. my Grandfather |
The Following User Says Thank You to Formulabruce For This Useful Post: | ||
#10
|
|||
|
|||
In post #1 you said your machine shop does not do Pontiac's.
I would not have him build your Pontiac motor. They are not the same as what ever he builds. If you have no choice get a lot of advice from Butler or Kaufman or the many great engine builders on this forum. |
#11
|
||||
|
||||
When I was engine shopping several months ago, Butler told me (by e-mail) that they were too busy to return my call. I ended up buying from Kauffman. Give Jeff a call - he can help you out.
__________________
1965 Pontiac LeMans. M21, 3.73 in a 12 bolt, Kauffman 461. |
Reply |
|
|