Cracked 400 block

[Tejas R/T]

I have a 400 block that has a surface crack in the lifter valley(see pics).
After wet mag partical inspection, I sealed up the blocks coolant ports and pressured it up to 60 PSI and had no leaks
even after setting for 12 hours. In my opinion this is a very low stress area and my question is: Should I repair the crack or leave it alone?

[nivvy]

I would say repair it... what type of build are you planning on doing???

[Tejas R/T]

I'm planning a 470 stroker. This is a 1971 (3614230) block and from what I have read this is the best block for it. I,m thinking of repairing it but also I'm thinking if it doesn't leak why fix it?

[nivvy]

for a motor like that I would repair it now and be safe..............  welcome to the site....... 

[Chryco Psycho]

the crack will continue the lifter valley is high stress especially with high lift cams & heavy spring loads
 I would be looking for a different block , too bad it is a 230

[moper]

Throw it out. Start over. Glad you found it.

Your profile doesnt say where you are. but I'm going to throw out another '76 400 shortblock soon. I dont know much about it, but if you're near me and you feel like taking it apart and starting fresh, you can have it. Last week I sent about 5000lbs of cast iron blocks, cranks, rods, heads, intakes, etc.,  and a truck to the recycler.

[Tejas R/T]

Moper Thanks for the offer but I'm way down here in Texas.
I have heard of a process called metal stitching that I am researching http://www.locknstitch.comperhaps I will try it.
If anyone has tried it I sure would like to know the results.

[moper]

on an internal crack, on a stroked engine? Throw ir out, get another one. I've had a bunch of stiching done on extrnal (freeze) cracks, and plugging decks to run oddball cylinder heads, but that area is a high stress because it's the driver's side, and over the major thursts of the cylinder cores castings. You dont want to have a problem there. 400 blocks are cheap and easy to find.

[bb71challenger]

I agree, find another block. Should be fairly easy to find a good core 400 almost anywhere. We have them all over the place around here.

[Tejas R/T]

I want to thank everyone for the advice. I think I have been beating a dead horse,  hoping to save this 230 block.
I will start my quest for another block today! If anyone knows where I can find one; please let me know.
Thanks.

[bb71challenger]

Where in Texas are you? I know of a whole car for 300 dollars. It is a 72 and I think it has that desireable block, is it the one on 440source.com that has the really thick main webs? Either way it is a complete C body that would probably more than pay for itself with parts. PM me if you are interested and I will check on it again to make sure the price is the same and it is still there. It has been in this yard for years and I last saw it a month ago. I am in Carlsbad NM so if you are anywhere in west Texas it should not be too hard to get this beast.