[boodlefoof]

I drove down and picked-up the block this morning at o'dark thirty. As promised, here are a few pictures. It doesn't look quite as stout as the SD block that was posted earlier in this topic, but is more solid than that 389 block picture.

On the casting number, the seller told me it was "86133." I presumed this was 9786133 and he just couldn't read the first two numbers. Now, I see why he couldn't read them... there is a tapped hole with a plug in it where the "97" would be. Anybody know what that is about? Is it factory?

[73 TRANSAM]

The factory tapped it and is a 1/4" pipe thread. This is where you install the oil pressure sending unit.

[b-man]

The tapped 3/8 NPT plug is factory, it was put there to facilitate the drilling of the oil gallery. This location is commonly tapped into to take the most accurate oil pressure gauge readings.

Very thick lifter bore castings, a good sign. Missing the #2 main cap? If so it looks like a set of splayed outer bolt aftermarket 4-bolt caps are in your future.

[boodlefoof]

Originally Posted by b-man

Missing the #2 main cap? If so it looks like a set of splayed outer bolt aftermarket 4-bolt caps are in your future.

No, I've got it. I had just taken it off to check to see if the block was tapped for 2 or 4 bolt mains. Are the splayed caps a substantial improvement over factory 2 bolt caps?

[b-man]

Originally Posted by boodlefoof

No, I've got it. I had just taken it off to check to see if the block was tapped for 2 or 4 bolt mains. Are the splayed caps a substantial improvement over factory 2 bolt caps?

Yes, but not necessary for a 500-600 HP street engine.

I wouldn't do anything more than use a stud kit to better secure the 2-bolt caps.

Substantial improvement at a very substantial added cost, you'd likely spend $800 or more to obtain the splayed caps and have the machine work to install them done properly. Honestly at that point for just a little more money you're really better off buying an aftermarket block that has all of the high strength features and upgrades.

[lust4speed]

Originally Posted by b-man

...Substantial improvement at a very substantial added cost, you'd likely spend $800 or more to obtain the splayed caps and have the machine work to install them done properly..

I was quoted $850 from my favorite machine shop for the labor alone, with the price of the caps on top of that.

[b-man]

Originally Posted by lust4speed

I was quoted $850 from my favorite machine shop for the labor alone, with the price of the caps on top of that.

There ya go.

I know your machinist does top-notch work, doing it right isn't cheap.

An aftermarket block looks even more attractive for those who are really upping the power.