Quote: If you are going to make over 600HP with a stock block, You should ( at least )half fill it - and go aftermarket main caps or a girdle. No question IMO on that one. You should also make sure the block sonic tests real good.
When you say aftermarket main caps, are you referring to the 4 bolt ones? or are there 2 bolts that are available to add strength? I always thought adding 4 bolt caps to a stock block weakened it more than anything
Never been a big fan of girdles...Have always felt that most of the small block designs don't seem like they would do much...but thats just my opinion
Not a girdle fan ether. Went with Milodon 4 blt main set up on mine.
I have to ask why the 4 bolt caps when most say it actually weakens the block? I have thought about it myself, and think its probably the single best thing one could do in the bottom end IF it wasn't said that the material there is too thin...I am just wondering what your reasoning was when you made that decision
Not saying 4 bolt caps are bad, because really, I've never installed them to know if they were to actually weaken a factory block...I am just going by what I read in so many places
I appreciate all the advice so far
1. I hard blocked it. 2. The shimming with washers thing with the girdle set up just seemed kinda hokey to me - and lots of parts involved. 3. My machinist ( highly qualified and very experienced guy ) recommended Milodon 4 bolt caps due to strength and as said, similar heat expansion rate as the block. I mentioned block thinness in the web area and he said that wasn't a problem if the job was done correctly. Time will tell if I made the right decision. BTW, I believe it cost less to go with the 4 blt cap set up verses the girdle, so the guy wasn't trying to sell me something.
You notice that the ARP studs are not quite long enough. I thought I needed the MILODON studs. NOPE same problem. Last build I omitted the washer. But I think I will do what you did and have the stud recessed in the nut.
