After buying P7 heads when everyone was on the XR2 bandwagon I have found myself, like many others sitting on parts. I still have an interest in doing one of these engines. The blocks and cranks from NASCAR are 2.25" mains which are Ford and the cranks are relatively short stroke (3.5). I like big small blocks and the XR2 was the answer to my small block engine needs. The blocks are around 8.800" in height. Which also limit displacement. Long story short the NASCAR block does not provide what I want in a drag race block.

I may have found an answer to this problem. But, would like to know everything I can before jumping in. The blocks are relatively expensive sense they are aluminum. Everything you like or dislike about aluminum blocks will still be there. The new ones are 2.5" mains which is 340. From my understanding the crank will fit in the block. That said the flywheel flange is probably different. I am told the front of the crank is different. So much the bottom pulley on the Jesel will not fit. It may just be a modification that has to be done. Or worse case have a pulley made. Just don't know.

I am strongly considering just buying one of these blocks and start looking at the possibilities on my own. My last 4-5 engines were far from cookie cutters so this may not be that much of a challenge. I have made some calls to people racing p7 head combos and found a lot of bad info.


The block are available at Ernie Elliot Inc. I am told a 4" stroke is no problem. I do hear that 4.125" stroke cranks from Sonny Bryant are up and running currently. Many of these blocks are running at 4.185 bore and 4.200" is supposed to work as well. I'm sure EEI is very busy and doesn't have time to tell you how to do one of these over the phone. Or better yet how to maybe use an available crank for LA series engines in these blocks.

I am reaching out here for info on these blocks and the differences in the R5 cranks compared to LA to maybe save money there too. If you know something that will help all of us who have these heads with similar intentions out, speak up. Need some solid information as the rumor mill aint getting it done.

Leon

hey. i know someone who has a new cast iron block if ur interested. he probably would sell it.

Check your PMs. Sorry it took so long for me to reply to yours.

Hey Leon.

I am curious why you dont want to go with the XR2?

I thought that block could handle the big cubes?

Maybe i misunderstood that?

What are the down sides to running a XR2?

The specs you mention are the nascar blocks correct?

leon doesn't kent ritter's block use everything a 48deg r block would use + those p7 HEADS, and or a w series head?

They require a modified R5 Camshaft, it has to have a LA series nose.

How quick do you need 1. I can find out how fast you can get 1 with a simple phone call to Kent. Leon if you need 1 call Kent himself you might be suprised. I cant speak for Kent but when i inquired about the block it was 1 month till mine was ready. Pm me if you need his phone number. Brian W. The blocks do need some final machine work but it allows you to finish to the specs you want. Brian W. Ps I will be away from the computer the rest of the evening.

I'd bet one of the EEI blocks would be readily available.
What a beautiful pc. at std alum block price.
Not outrageuos by any means.
Thought one I saw at mopar meet was taller than 8.8 but not sure, think it had Nicosil on the cylinder walls.
High quality European casting.
Kent had it on display a couple yrs back.
Wanted that pc for sure, mid to high 5k's... and the set of Ti 2.25 main caps for $4500.
Then I woke up.

Could have been, he sure gets around.

Yes, he does. Think Ritter bought him out.

Arrington is into everything. Guy knows a lot of people and can get a lot done if you have the funds to keep up with him.

Latest Info...

Talked to a guy who has built a bunch of these. He says 4" stroke is old news. They even done that with a 2.250" main. Really pushes the limit on the crank. They have 4.125" stroke stuff out and racing with great success. Rumor is a 4.250" is out but I can't get anyone to confirm. This fellow told me a 4.300 should fit with some clearancing to stuff I really don't need. He said they considered fixing one up with a deck spacer to get some more room for the rod and piston. THAT'S WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT But, for now I may just try and get something together to just see how it works out.

Leon

Leon it sounds like the alluminum block is the way to go.
Thanks for the info!

I started this thread to get educated on this EEI Block.

Funny thing is with all the post about XR2...Seems its the other way around. Seems I am passing around a well kept secret.

Leon

I hope more info comes out about the EEI block.

I will ask around for you.

Blocks have been out for several years now. Just not much info about them in these circles. They are pricey where the cast iron R5's are very affordable.

Just call Ernie, he won't bite your head off.

i'v got a xr2 being done by ryan a2 shady dell right now, check with him i'm sure he'd be glaid to help you in any way possible,my's a 397cu., with a SLM special crankshaft, it's almost as cheep this way as to buy a used one & have it reground to your specs, steve @ SLM is real nice to deal with on his stofe, i think ryan would seend you a photo of my xr2 & cam if youd ask, ryan said that my crank & rods would be the weekested parts of my lower end,using a king billet crank @ 37lbs. & 6.08 carroll rods with 1.85 pin ends, got some extra pistons if i can help,if i can help you give me a call any afternoon @618-806-1564 & ask for tiny,done a lott of checking on this combitation,looking to make some where between 980 & 1050 hp na,single carb