[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.

[BruceWilkie]

I'm going to start another thread for those interested in some of the differences between a 59 389 and a 69 400 block.

[73 TRANSAM]

The factory tapped it for 3/8" pipe thread. Thanks for correcting it.

[Mr_GTO]

I have a 64 303hp block. Can I install a stroker crank and use modern alum heads on it? Thanks.

[tom s]

yes,should be no issue.Tom

[Bermuda Blue]

If one were to use a 59 block how would the reverse flow cooling aspect of the block be dealt with? Would the block be converted to the more recent cooling design by modifying it to accept a modern timing cover? Or would reverse flow be retained since it is superior. I would think conversion, if possible, would make head selection and coolant component sourcing easier.

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by Bermuda Blue

If one were to use a 59 block how would the reverse flow cooling aspect of the block be dealt with? Would the block be converted to the more recent cooling design by modifying it to accept a modern timing cover? Or would reverse flow be retained since it is superior. I would think conversion, if possible, would make head selection and coolant component sourcing easier.

You could either install a later model Pontiac timing cover and water pump or install the aluminum front cover sold by RARE along with a high volume SBC “long” water pump.

[74Grandville]

Originally Posted by hurryinhoosier62

You could either install a later model Pontiac timing cover and water pump or install the aluminum front cover sold by RARE along with a high volume SBC “long” water pump.

Going this direction, you’d need to block off the 2 holes in the front of the block with pipe plugs I’m guessing. You’d probably want to block off the oil gallery in the deck as well and go with push rod oiling.


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[tom s]

When going to pushrod oiling you dont have to block the holes in the deck.Tom

[b-man]

The coolant transfer holes drilled in the 1959 block deck would need to be modified to match a 1960 or later block. This would require drilling holes and plugging holes.