spib

a machine shop is building me a 385 forged short block, 6" h beam rods all 4340 stuff with 12.93to1 forged pistons

what are the pros and cons to having the block filled ? I know it is 30lbs heaver but have heard its a good idea, any comments on this?

BEAST477

spib, you'll probably get mixed views on this. If it was mine i would hard block it at least a short fill. It will stiffen up the bottom end. If cooling isn't a problem i would fill it to the water pump holes. JMO

fastssmonte

definately recommended it adds rigidity to cylinders and stiffens the whole block.on a 350 block you won't have any cooling problems at all.

bjuice

My opinion is leave it alone..at the compression your running there is no need for the filler,unless you plan on spraying it with a good dose of Nos or making it forced induction in the future.
if NOS is in your plans go with a good cometic head gasket and head studs...matter of fact i would do this regardless

like Beast said just My opinion

kwkracing

i would not waste your block with fill

cepx111

I agree don't do it.
Now if you plan on putting a bunch of nitrous to it then yes by all means, other wise it's an unecessary expense.
JMO, Cp

spib

I talk to my builder yesterday makes it more rigid for $100, thats two bottles of fill and labor, I am filling it, its a done deal

ashbros

I am with bjiuce on this one. No NO2 or blower insatlled
I would stud the block and used good rod bolts
JMO

curtisreed

We do fill our blocks now. We had a block break a cylinder wall and it was really thin on the thrust side. That was before we started sonic testing them. Now we do both on stock blocks. So if you do not fill the block I would recommend sonic testing the block. Again as said JMO.

Curtis