[taff2]

George, I really would like to use an aftermarket block for my build,however,by the time they get over here cost is around $5000, I priced up both AP and KRE. I built my whole current engine and trans for less than that. I already have a home fabbed girdle on my '59 389 block combo - which has been fine up to the 1000hp mark -bearings and crank look like new at the last stripdown -however my goal is around the 1400hp mark (and so is a similar combo we are building for my son's car)-I would like not to have to build another girdle for my son's car as it's a lot of work (although I have a design drawn out ready!). I don't see a problem with using a good stock block at very high hp levels with a welded up valley and good mains girdle-both should help stop the block flex that cracks them up through the mains oil holes- but it is a LOT of work. I envy the Chebby guys who can go out and buy a aftermarket block for $2500.
I suppose I enjoy the challenge of making an old engine design that was deleted in '79 do something that it shouldn't! Or maybe I'm just a tightwad...
I believe that a cast mains girdle would bridge the gap between a stock and aftermarket block, if it was priced competitively. A one piece perimeter girdle that dropped over the stock caps (or even over splayed caps) could even save the cost of a line hone, and would effectively tie the caps into the strong pan rails like a crossbolted design, jmo.