Guys, I pose the question one more time.....

Because casting problems have wrecked many aftermarket block plans, why isn't someone producing a WELDED steel block?

Even though most people think cast iron is more rigid than steel, it just isn't so. Only CGI and Nodular Iron are as rigid as good old 1020, or any other steel for that matter.

Main bearing bulkheads are mainly plates, cylinders are pipe, the externals like sides are formed plates. Maybe it's a better risk to weld a block together out of parts than try to get one cast. Hydroturbines are welded together out of parts, for example.

R.