(Premier Login 58custom) Forum Owner from IP address 75.25.30.246
I cropped them but I did not resize because they are just too delicious to make small. I think we have here a mostly machined block awaiting sleeves with some representative accessories. Hopefully, Tod will stop by and comment.
the block I told you about in an earlier post. It has some casting issues. My friend Tom Hoover pulled the distributor out of a 1970 Cleveland that was in a wrecked car. He has had it for quite a while. Only has about 10k miles on it. We talked about using its parts to build this block up stock and see how it goes.
The issues I ran into were:
1. Casting was somehow made .100 too thick. I adjusted machining to make it only .080 heavy. Because the casting is too thick the distributor pocket is machined in deeper than designed.
2. I screwed up and forgot the oil galley boss metal in the valley, so you can see the weld put in before machining. It looks bad but doesn't leak. The pattern has been modified, and is ready for new castings.
3. Because I changed a drill diameter and angle, I nicked the passenger waterjacket when I drilled the front oil passage from the front main to the main oil galley. Block fill will fix it for our test build. This will not be an issue from here out. I added stock to the corner that was nicked.
4. I forgot to put the distributor hold down bolt boss in the cross-over water passage core box. What an idiot!!! I have already altered that. This block will be welded and fixed by hand. Pretty easy fix.
If anyone sees anything that raises red flags let me know. I'm anxious to get blocks to the guys waiting patiently for their product. The iron guys are starting to email me.
Use a stock dipstick if possible - if that's an aftermarket item in the pic, there's a chance that it's the wrong length. Just don't let it throw you off.
Tod, thanks for never giving up, Like I said in '06, it will be worth it. These pics/comments really help one realize your commitment and quality......Tim
Bruce Morris (Login BruceDM) Members 211.26.63.155
The wait is worth it
September 10 2008, 6:21 AM
Some small mistakes are the norm Tod, so dont be hard on yourself.
I wonder how many castings the factories went through before they even got to test one?
Looking good and yes the pictures have started the adreniline pumping. I can just picture that at 427 cubes with a nice set of CHI's on top.
Looks like this block will be on my "to get" list when my block or crank goes. Now that they are going to be splayed main caps, its on the top of my list. Great job Tod, I can't wait to see the finished product.
Sorry for taking so long to post, but, I had to go finish off inside after seeing those pics. New wallpaper pic! I do have one question. The main webbing seems to be stock or close to stock thickness, is it, or is it much thicker, or can it be thicker? How much HP/Torque is it expected to hold? Mike
I would like to see one of these blocks with a 10.3 deck so a guy could make some big cubes with long rods. Will all your blocks be 9.2 or will you make some 9,5 or taller.
The plan is for 9.2 only. If there proves to be enough market to warrant the time to make pattern changes I may do the 9.5. We had a lot of initial discussion that made me decide to go as stock as possible at first. Hit the largest market first, you know.
As far as progress goes, I have cores waiting at the foundry (2 weeks now)to make the next aluminum block that Barry is going to build for a Hot Rod article.
If I didn't already have a fresh SVO block (for the past 3 years now) waiting to be built (this spring with any luck at all) I would be all over it. And with 2 sets of C302 heads on my shelf, I might still be after one some day. Aluminum block with a pair of those heads could be very tasty. Under 302 weight with 2x the potential power.
