Block purchase

Looking at buying a new block. Has anyone used the callies bbm block yet? Have looked at the bulldog as well but seems his lead times are not that great. Debating on going with a hemi or keep using the wedge style b1 platform. Aluminum is great but like a KB or Indy just to much right now. Used ones are hard to find to. Thanks! Sean

If you get a bulldog block, be prepared to finish the block at the machine shop. My new bulldog block is back at the machine shop (3rd time) now for the mains being .005 too tight and egg shaped.
At this point, i would rather have my sister work at the bunny ranch then buy another bulldog block


Joe

Not to kick sand in your face, but I have a Bulldog here that when we pressure tested it, leaked water out of the oil pump bolt holes. Better to know before it happens......Todd

Great, but so far none of the holes have been tapped to the proper depth.

Joe

Talked with the old man Ray Barton the other day...We had a nice long discussion by phone. Blocks came up, and he really likes the new Callies iron blocks. No issues to date, and he has built 40 of them this year so far. I almost bought a Bulldog low deck last year or so....Glad I did not.

Not a surprise given the history of Bulldog blocks.

Callies might be okay once they figure out how to do all the machine work. Some pictures floating around of partially machined blocks.

Best bet is to talk to pros who build engines for a living. They see enough stuff that they know what is right and what is wrong. Chuck at Best Machine is probably the best guy to ask about blocks. He'll tell what is available and if it will work or not. Sad to say, a lot of the stuff on the market is junk so you have to be super careful before you pull the trigger.

Looks like I will wait a bit and go with an KB block. Just do not need the headaches lol.

It might be an exceptionally long bit....good luck.

No issues per Ray Barton, and as I said, he built 40 this year alone with those blocks. Its using the old Mopar tooling and castings...So as long as the corect controls are in place, life should be good.

Have you thought about Bill Mitchell Products aluminum blocks? Anyone here having experience with that block??

I too am looking for a block. I want to build another low deck, but would consider a tall deck.
I currently have an Indy Maxx and when I ordered it I had them do all the machine work. It turned out flawless. So I'm considering them again if I don't find a used one.

Dave

Myself and 440jim have BMP Aluminum blocks. I spent about $1,000 to prep the block. It took a lot of honing to get to 4.500. Line hone to touch up one main. I need to relieve the block a bit on #8, so there is more room for the roller lifter tie bar. So far I am happy with what I see. I have been held up on this project by health issues. I can get back to it soon if all goes well.

How old are you now?

Keep at it, I hope you can get past the health issues !!!!!!

I am building a new engine with the BMP aluminum block right now.
See my series of posts, 572 B1 org Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, etc.
Link to Part 1 - Buying Parts

The machine shop I used bored it from 4.490 to close to final size before honing it the final amount.
I am very happy with it so far. Trying to find time to do assembly now.

Was going to ask the other day if they were still having issues.

I guess I don't need to now.

Ancient..............

I would explore other options before deciding on a KB block. A Callies block bought through a builder seems like a good option right now. Have them check it out and correct any issues before you get ahold to it.