Ready to build 512

[73cudabr]

Actually that is the water jacket & theres an extra hole hole thats likely into water too...

Machinist said it was the water jacket. 16-17 PSI maybe. I'm in search for a new block. With that said it did run before for an unknown amount of miles with whatever patch job somebody did prior. I put at least 13 thousand miles on it since I bought it. I'd like to weld it and move on, but I don't think I would sleep well knowing that it may not hold.

[twalker]

Machinist said it was the water jacket. 16-17 PSI maybe. I'm in search for a new block. With that said it did run before for an unknown amount of miles with whatever patch job somebody did prior. I put at least 13 thousand miles on it since I bought it. I'd like to weld it and move on, but I don't think I would sleep well knowing that it may not hold.

I'm with you, blocks are cheap compared to all the money you're going to spend building a motor


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[1 Wild R/T]

Where are you located? 

[734406pk]

Machinist said it was the water jacket. 16-17 PSI maybe. I'm in search for a new block. With that said it did run before for an unknown amount of miles with whatever patch job somebody did prior. I put at least 13 thousand miles on it since I bought it. I'd like to weld it and move on, but I don't think I would sleep well knowing that it may not hold.

Properly welded the repair area will be stronger than the surrounding cast iron. Try to find a shop that specializes in welding cracked cylinder heads, blocks etc. and get an opinion. This repair is not a big deal IMO. If you go with a new block, save this one, someone may need it. Post it in "parts for sale".

[rUNCHARGER]

How was it sealed up before? JB weld? There are still lots of 440 blocks out there.

Sheldon

[734406pk]

Here is an example of how far you can go in repairing/restoring a cylinder block:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfwBjhKHBYk

Your block isn't this bad.

[twalker]

Here is an example of how far you can go in repairing/restoring a cylinder block:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfwBjhKHBYk

Your block isn't this bad.

Now that is cool. And expensive :-)

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[1 Wild R/T]

Properly welded the repair area will be stronger than the surrounding cast iron. Try to find a shop that specializes in welding cracked cylinder heads, blocks etc. and get an opinion. This repair is not a big deal IMO. If you go with a new block, save this one, someone may need it. Post it in "parts for sale".

Key is properly welded.... I've seen enough problems with welded cast iron from supposedly highly qualified shops that I have no interest.... The weld may hold fine but the surrounding cast material is often weaker because of the extreme thermal cycling caused by the repair.... If your dealing with a high $$$ industrial/commercial/marine casting then sure you spend the money & get it repaired... On the other hand I've got seven 440 blocks gathering dust & theres probably a hundred guys on this site with similar stashes.... Unless that block is something special I wouldn't throw any more $$$ at it.... 

[734406pk]

Now that is cool. And expensive :-)

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Expensive? Yes, but its still cost less than a new block. It's all relative. Just as 1 Wild R/T points out, it must be done PROPERLY. If you can acquire another block that isn't damaged cheap enough, go for it! There are some companies out there that do an incredible job, and others that are total hack monkeys. Whats your location?

[dave73chally]

I got my 440 block for 100 bucks 2 years ago 

[734406pk]

I got my 440 block for 100 bucks 2 years ago 

That was a good deal IMO.  The last block i got was around $450 i think. Low mileage '78 casting.

[73cudabr]

I'm in Raleigh NC. I've seen a few for 500 or so. there is one 4 hours away for $150. Some part cars I'd have to buy and pull the motor from for a grand. I'll look into the weld option. Honestly I have no idea how it was held together before.

A local machine/performance shop has a 440 block that he has bored.030 over and the customer sold the car he was going to put it in. He is going to call and see if he is willing to part with it. Will keep every one posted!

Thanks for all the replies!!

[HP2]

When they arrive at my local Pick N Pull, I can get complete 440s for $250. Problem with that is there is a grip of retired guys who prowl the yard daily and snag each one as soon as they are released to the yard. They then resell them on the local craigslist for $500 as long blocks.

[73cudabr]

So a reputable builder here has a block that he machined for a customer and he lost interest in the project. So I'm going to check it out tomorrow. 300 for the block, plus his costs for the work, which we will discuss tomorrow to see what he has into it. He recommended to use SCAT rotating assembly. Will do some searches here to see what people say. Any feedback from the group?

[73cudabr]

Just confirmed purchase of a block.

440 Block - $350
Tumble/Vat/Square Deck/Tq plate hone/Install Cam Bearings - 600.00
Line hone (if needed) - $150

Scat 4.250 Crank/Scat Rods(longer Rods for less side wall pressure)/Mahle Pistons/rings - $2800
Balance Rotating Assembly $250

Short Block to me - $4150

This leaves me around 6K +/- a few for the bolt on's.

Thinking Maxx Wedge Indy Heads - $2200 or CNCed Maxx Wedge - $3000
RPM performer Intake - already have it
Comp Cams Hydraulic Roller - $800
Carb - 950 CFM or FiTech (depending on budget left) - $800-$1500
Roller Rockers? $6-800