is this block still use-able???

picked it up today and knew it was a 'core', just didnt know hwo bad it was untill i tore it apart. the pictures pretty much speak for themselves so my big question is if it's safe to use....

 

Very possibly.

 

I swear I see a crack on the oposit side...

 

i'd say your right. the engine broke a rod and took out these two cylinders.... but i hate to pass up on a 351w roller block

 

Can these blocks be sleeved? Is that even an option?

 

yeah, they can be sleeved but im trying to get around it if i can. my "plans" are to run a 393 or 408 with this block. in stock form, the piston doesnt come down far enough for the rings to interfere with the damage but im worried that a stroker build might bring the pistons down too far...

 

I guess you need to know how much further the piston will go then. I personaly don't see that I would be using it, but that's me. My luck is the cracks would travel AFTER I spend alot of time and money...

 

that's my luck too. that's why i was looking for some outside opinions before i put $2k into this build

 

X2.... my 347, i had to clearence the block atleast as much as those places it looks to have hit.

 

IMHO, I'd take the block to an engine machine shop. They would be able to tell you if it's worth saving. I'm sure they'd vat it and magnflux it to see if the cracks have propagated into the "danger" zone.

The edges of the breaks can be ground smooth to remove the stress risers (as notching blocks for rod clearance on stroker engine are done this way).

In summary, I'd take it to a speed shop and let them determine if it's worth salvaging - or pass on this one and wait for another block.

Good luck.

 

nope...no way I would use it.

 

I agree, that looks severe. I did save a 302 that looked like your first pic. It was only hit in the one spot though. The machine shop ground the edges and put in a sleeve. The piston skirt would have contacted the damage. That was a stock engine as well. I wouldnt trust it even with a sleeve for performance and especially a stroker.

 

that's what i was thinking. ive read that 347's and 427 strokers had to clearence this area for the rotating assembly anyways so i dont see what it would hurt to grind it down and smooth it over

 

Like it was mentioned earlier. Im sure the tell tell would be a trip to the machine shop, but id bet if it isnt cracked its ok.

 

You can bet there's more damage than what you can see. have it magnafluxed before spending anything on it.