2 bolt studded mains versu 4 bolt main conversion on 496
#1
Junior Member
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 15
2 bolt studded mains versu 4 bolt main conversion on 496
My engine builder claims I can save about $500 if
I just have him install a 2 bolt ARP stud kit on my block
rather than have my current 454 2 bolt main block machined for a 4 bolt main cap conversion.
He already purchased a complete Eagle competition rotating kit.
The pistons are "JE" about 12 1/2 to 1 with my current GM 990 cast iron heads.
My Long range plans call for Dart oval port heads / intake.
I don't plan on going past 6,500 thu the traps.
Am I making a smart or stupid decision?
I just have him install a 2 bolt ARP stud kit on my block
rather than have my current 454 2 bolt main block machined for a 4 bolt main cap conversion.
He already purchased a complete Eagle competition rotating kit.
The pistons are "JE" about 12 1/2 to 1 with my current GM 990 cast iron heads.
My Long range plans call for Dart oval port heads / intake.
I don't plan on going past 6,500 thu the traps.
Am I making a smart or stupid decision?
#2
Senior Member
DYNO OPERATOR
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: VA Hospital, Dallas, Tx (214 302 1924) cell-972-464-7400
Posts: 540
I agree with your machinist.
Yes splayed caps are better and are stronger. 4 bolt caps are nice to have in there. No doubt both are better.
BUT!
Back in 1984 I ran 154 mph with a 2,960 lb car using great heads and a 2 bolt Main chevy car block with two sleeved cylinders as a 461 cu in 16.85 -1 compression , and I kept it at 8,000 rpm all the time. When I was done with it after it going a 7.87 in a 2300 lb x-top fuel car I sold the short block minus cam for $500.00 and it went in a front engined alcohol dragster and he ran it several years, so it must not have been hurt. In case you have not figured it yet, that is over 1,000 hp with a stock 2 bolt block.
I would run it like your machinist suggests unless the money for the better caps is no big thing.
Ed
Yes splayed caps are better and are stronger. 4 bolt caps are nice to have in there. No doubt both are better.
BUT!
Back in 1984 I ran 154 mph with a 2,960 lb car using great heads and a 2 bolt Main chevy car block with two sleeved cylinders as a 461 cu in 16.85 -1 compression , and I kept it at 8,000 rpm all the time. When I was done with it after it going a 7.87 in a 2300 lb x-top fuel car I sold the short block minus cam for $500.00 and it went in a front engined alcohol dragster and he ran it several years, so it must not have been hurt. In case you have not figured it yet, that is over 1,000 hp with a stock 2 bolt block.
I would run it like your machinist suggests unless the money for the better caps is no big thing.
Ed
#5
Senior Member
RACING JUNKIE
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 2,044
I went one step further with my 454 2 bolt block, I installed studs and a main cap stud guirdle. Its an old small block ford trick but it really helps to stablize the bottem end and prevent cap walk. I scored mine with the studs and hardware for about 100 bucks on ebay. The studs are long enough that I can use a windage tray too. Charles
#6
Member
MASTER JOURNEYMAN
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 36
Two bolt mains
Originally Posted by edvancedengines
I agree with your machinist.
Yes splayed caps are better and are stronger. 4 bolt caps are nice to have in there. No doubt both are better.
BUT!
Back in 1984 I ran 154 mph with a 2,960 lb car using great heads and a 2 bolt Main chevy car block with two sleeved cylinders as a 461 cu in 16.85 -1 compression , and I kept it at 8,000 rpm all the time. When I was done with it after it going a 7.87 in a 2300 lb x-top fuel car I sold the short block minus cam for $500.00 and it went in a front engined alcohol dragster and he ran it several years, so it must not have been hurt. In case you have not figured it yet, that is over 1,000 hp with a stock 2 bolt block.
I would run it like your machinist suggests unless the money for the better caps is no big thing.
Ed
Yes splayed caps are better and are stronger. 4 bolt caps are nice to have in there. No doubt both are better.
BUT!
Back in 1984 I ran 154 mph with a 2,960 lb car using great heads and a 2 bolt Main chevy car block with two sleeved cylinders as a 461 cu in 16.85 -1 compression , and I kept it at 8,000 rpm all the time. When I was done with it after it going a 7.87 in a 2300 lb x-top fuel car I sold the short block minus cam for $500.00 and it went in a front engined alcohol dragster and he ran it several years, so it must not have been hurt. In case you have not figured it yet, that is over 1,000 hp with a stock 2 bolt block.
I would run it like your machinist suggests unless the money for the better caps is no big thing.
Ed
But the block with the two bolt main held together just fine.