Quote: "The two outer bolts stablize the cap" was my machinists contention also. I think the torque was only 60psi on them if I remember correctly.
I have a stock 340 block that has billet steel caps on it ... its a nice block and set up... on mine the outer bolts are 3/8" and only need like 40# torque if I remember right
Mike, do you know whose caps they are? I thought I remember reading on here before that you had said its not worth the gamble to install the 4 bolt caps on a factory block as there isn't enough material...is the 340 block you have a T/A block or something?
Would you install 4 bolt caps if you were building a stock block motor? or do you still feel they weaken it?
I've never said I dont like 4 bolt caps... would I recommend it on all builds ...nope... but the 3/8 outer bolts dont have a problem on the stock blocks... I do have a T/A block but that one needs a set of caps on it and when I decide to use it I will put 4 bolt caps back on it(I should pull that block out of the pole barn and start prepping it for a build)... I have a set of new in the box W-2s that need a home but that will be a slow build up because I think I'm finally running out of parts EDIT No I dont know whos caps they are... never seen these caps before.. they are pinned also and thats nice.. there isnt any cap walk at all ... I bought this block years ago and it had the caps on it already (got it from a old roundy round racer