Plastic Replica engine blocks

Never seen here much talk about using dummy engine blocks for fitment, etc.

So why the silence?
Are they worth it?
Are they useful?
Do they hold up?
Use it one time and keep it on the shelf or just sell it?

Why would you need one?

Unless you are doing a lot of builds putting that type engine into places it never went it's a luxury that's not needed.

I've never had one in my hands to verify that the dimensions are correct. If the dimensions are all correct then I can see how it would be useful but you have to store it and it isn't useful for much else. For those reasons I just keep a spare block or two in my shop. That way I'm working with a real block that has the correct dimensions. I do have a dummy transmission that I use so I don't have to lift the real thing in and out of the car.

The local chassis shop is building a gasser B body right now and they borrowed a bare block, bare trans case and a set of bare heads from me so they could build engine mounts and fabricate the headers. That way the car will be ready to go when the customer gets his engine back from the engine builder. The chassis shop has Chevy engine cores for mockups but they didn't have a Mopar core so they asked for help.

They're primarily used for mockups when building a streetrod or race car chassis. There'd be no point for a resto or mild build. And they ain't cheap !!

I have a hemi block works grate for mock up light weight built 2 awb cars work nice for that

I am doing an RB install with long rams in a car that they were never meant for. I'm getting old. muscling around 30lbs? to get the fit right vs the alternatives has got to be a plus.

We'll see.

Thanks.

Before you start fabricating anything, make sure the dimensions are correct. I remember a while back someone had one that was off about 1/2"...could make for a big headache later.

I've got one (440) and used it many times. All dimensions are correct, it even has the casting numbers on the sides. It looks like it was made right off a factory block with date casting and casting numbers. They cost over $400 new but they are sweet for quickly mocking up things like oil pan clearance, header clearance, anything in the engine compartment. Here I'm using it to put a 440 into a '54 flat fender Power Wagon.

I picked mine up for $75.00 from a Moparts member several years ago. Not really anything you need for doing restorations but it did come in handy when I was setting up my engine run stand. It is very accurate in shape and size, most of the major OEM parts bolt right on. Also makes a cool shop ornament or man cave coffee table

I'd buy one for $75 but I'm not interested once the price is 3x or 4x that.

I had a 440 one about 15 years ago. It was very accurate in dimensions. Sold it to someone, don't remember where.

I just use an old hemi KB Fuel block with no sleeves for my mock up. Light enough I can set it in and remove from the chassis by hand with ease.

Exactly. Summit lists the 426 at $550. Obviously chevys are cheaper, but some fords are actually more. For a one time mock up, that's a lot of bux. Even if you use it a few times, its a bit steep.

I just used an old 440 block when I had my car at the chassis shop for the cage and motorplate setup. Bolted the hemi heads onto the 440 block, sat it on the factory wedge mounts for motorplate positioning. Then hacked off the driver's side mount on the K frame to make sure the headers cleared.

See if you can get a couple Mopar buddies and go in together. This way it won't hurt so much and you can all use it when you need it.

A new replica 440 long Block from Summit showed up today.

Problem is, I don't have any buddies here, at least none that will admit to it.

Seriously, it will be likely available in 6? months, as its a one off project at this point, let me know.

a 426 hemi one on cl,st louis mo under mopar or dodge or 426 for 250.00

Link! Block