So I'm getting my parts set up for the rebuild. I need to know what to do with these main caps. Im looking for about 450hp with at least a 200 shot of nitrous. Now I know I need to convert to 4 bolt mains, but I want to do it a way that is most cost effective. Here are my options:

1.) These 4 bolt splayed caps from eBay ($80). http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33613 You get what you pay for, but if they are billet steel, they should be fairly strong.

2.) Milodon 4 bolt splayed caps ($215). http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...part=mil-11165 These will most likely be much better quality, as I remember HOTROD Magazine using these in a converstion. They are Ductile Iron. ( don't know how strong that is) Or should I consider another good brand.

3.) Find myself a 4 bolt LT1 block, save some machining costs and sell my old block. Stick with the parallel 4 bolts on it.



Machine shop quoted me $330 for the machine work to install hte 4 bolts mains. So I need some opnions on what I should do. Would a stock 4 bolt LT1 block hold my 700hp+ application, or should I just grow some ***** and dish out the money for the #2 option?


I've searched long and hard and still can't come up with a difinitive decision. Let me know what I should do, block is headed to machine shop by the end of next week and I need to have parts and need to tell them what to do!


All help is GREATLY APPRECIATED!


-Tim

 

A stock 4-bolt can handle the power. So can splayed. Also, your machine shop is overcharging you.

 

#2 im in the same boat as you and i went ahead and spent the money for the milodon ones

 

George Baxter made 1,125flywheel HP using a STOCK straight 4-bolt LT1 block.... no fill. Of course he upgraded the caps and studs, but the block was untouched.

 

If I just went ahead and got a used 4 bolt block (assuming I could find one), would I still need to get it line honed? I know thats where lots of the cost comes from.

 

I would freshen the engine (bearings, hone, pistion rings) and install the spayed 4 bolt caps, or installing stock type 4 bolt caps would be another option

 

300 bucks is not overcharging for 4 bolt splayed caps labor wise.

I would go with a standard 4 bolt setup if money is an issue.. With caps I spent around 500 for 4 bolt splayed setup.