Steve in Seattle

I'm looking for a tap and plug kit for my LT1 rebuild. I want to use threaded freeze plugs in the block, but I'm having problems finding an easy kit to make this possible. I know they're out there, I just don't know why I can't Google them.

I've found aluminum threaded plugs, but there was no tap for sale there, and the description said they should be for alumium Bow-Tie blocks only (to keep similar thermal expansion rates?). I have yet to find a steel or brass freeze plug for an LT1/SBC.

1) Anyone know where I can get some threaded brass freeze plugs for an LT1?

2) Any tips on tapping a hole that large without problems?

3) Would a threaded freeze plug make a retaining strap pointless?

I've read that tapping small holes on each side of a plug permits the use of an aluminum strap to prevent a plug from popping out. Even if it does work its way out, the strap should help slow the loss of coolant considerably. I understand this idea with a standard press-in plug, but how more reliable are threaded plugs than press-in ones?


Steve


P.S. Anyone actually know what their proper name is? So far I've found them called :
- Freeze Plugs
- Expansion Core Plugs
- Expansion Plugs
- Core Plugs
- Soft Plugs
- Welch Plugs

Most people I know call them freeze plugs, but I'm pretty sure its a misnomer from the myth that they're meant for frozen-block protection. I'm curious what those in "the industry" actually refer to them as.

MaxRaceSoftware

i think "Welch plug" is correct

i use Pioneer deep brass plugs
don't have any problems with plug coming out

a tap in diameter is also going to be longer than its diameter

how are you going to cut proper thread depths if tap hits block walls before proper thread cut ??

i'd stick with Pioneer deep plugs !

Hot Rod Hawk

Moran Motorsports in Taylor Michigan has what your looking for. The proper taps that are "stuby" and the threaded plugs.
There website is not up yet, 734-946-0043 is the phone number

Steve in Seattle

hmmm... good question. I was worried about keeping the threads stright with an agressive cut.

I've heard there are kits for it though, so someone must know how this is done without getting exotic machinery.

custom tap set to slowly cut out threads? I dunno.

Anyone know how this is done? Sounds like brass plugs are the best option.



How do Deep Plugs vary from standard ones (besides the obvious... they're deeper)? Are they any more sturdy or is the design change more for making sure they go in straight and don't get ****-eyed?

Steve in Seattle

THAT'S the ONE!

Ellis told me about the kit they had, but I forgot the name of the place and couldn't find anything on Google or Yahoo.

Now to figure out if this is doable without a drill press.


THANKS!!!

Steve in Seattle

I'll give them a call tomorrow.

BTW, I thought the name sounded familiar... then I found this:
http://www.hoon.tk/tech_tips/qtv81.html

and it all started to make sense.

I wonder if they've moved since the PHR article:

MORAN MOTORSPORTS
6854 Fenton St., Dept. PHR
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
(313) 277-2888

AutoRoc

They're located in Taylor, MI now. Hot Rod Hawk posted their correct number above. Goodluck!

Steve in Seattle

Awesome... thanks for the confirmation. I'll post some extra details after I talk with them. If the process is doable without a major headache I'll try it on the block in my garage and post a review.

OneFlyn95z28

Sorry Steve I have been real busy. yes that is the one I told you about. When you are ready come on out and we will play with them My Motown block should be here by then

Hot Rod Hawk

Heads up guys!!
http://www.competitionplus.com/02_18...wproducts.html

Steve in Seattle

nice...

Scroll down a bit more and theres notice that ARP is making chasers (non-cutting taps) as well.

Man I'm gonna go broke just buying goodies

OneFlyn95z28

Steve I have a whole set(Met/US) chasers