Cab, I agree getting a new after market block is the way to go. I just haven't found one yet. This engine never goes over 6,000 rpm. It currently has 820 passes on it. It's getting freshened up this winter, so I figured whileI have it apart I'd stiffen up the bottom end. It's a 496, running 6.5 1/8 mile ETs in a 2800 pound car.