Question about blocks??~!

[Shelby15psi]

Which is better, the 88 t1 or 85 t1...or are they the same?? I want to build the better block,



Dustin

[TheRock]

Depends what the 88 T1 block really is. It could be the early T1 block or a commonblock if it came from a T1 car. A log manifold car would certainly have the T1 block, but a one-piece intake car could have a commonblock in it. Does it have the fuel-pump blockoff plate near the water pump? If not, it is a commonblock and will be stronger. If it does, the blocks are the same, and you should find a commonblock to rebuild.

[Shelby15psi]

Ok, cool, Ill check that. Only problem IS, I just had this 85 block bored and built, eh! Maybe Ill just use it until it breaks? I am looking at only to get AROUND 250 hp out of it, Im gonna use the 88 head, a glhs two piece intake....maybe someone would trade a built 85 t1 for a common block...hrmm..yeah


Dustin

The '85 block is nice if you still have the '85 rods in it, as they're almost T2 spec, much heavier than '88 T1 rods. The only thing that would make an '88 block better would be the 11mm headbolts, but your saying the '85 block has been worked on already. If it was done by someone with half a clue, they tapped that block for 11mm headbolts while they were at it. I say stick with the '85 block and sell the '88. Even if you did decide to swap to a new block in the future, the '88 block is useless as it's not going to be a common block, those came out in '89.

[86Shelby]

Run the '85 block. You already have the money wrapped up in it. Although I'd be happy to trade you a rebuilt '85 turbo shortlock for a complete turbo commonblock; mind if it's a 2.5?

Seriously, your block should be good for 225-250hp.

[gerber1125]

does the 85 t1 block use 10 or 11mm head bolts?

if 10, would it be a problem to use the 11mm head bolts, because that it what i was planning on using from my 87 t2 block

lmk
thanks, Justin

No, you just have to drill out the holes and re-tap them for the 11mm headbolts. I was told that you need to do it on a drill press to get the holes and threads perfectly square. Might just have a machine shop do that.

[gerber1125]

what if i don't want to do that
can i use 11mm bolts, or do i NEED 10mm?
thanks, Justin

[Shelby85Charger]

That would work as well as a Round peg in a Square hole.

11mm is a bit larger then a 10mm.

haha.. Yeah.. If 11mm bolts fit, they're 11mm holes.. You can't even run an 11mm tap down those holes without drilling them out some first.

[gerber1125]

ok well who sells 10mm head bolts?
just any old parts place, or do i need MP or special kind?

edit: i just found out that the early 85 blocks used 10mm, while the later 85 blocks used 11mm (i think that is right). How can i tell which size my blocks used, by the casting date or what? It is from an 85 SC if that makes a difference. I have no other way to tell cause i don't have the old bolts to compare.

Go to the junkyard and get a headbolt out of an '86 or later 2.2 engine. If it fits, you have 11mm headbolts, if not, you have 10.. Where there's a will, there's a way....

[gerber1125]

i already have a block that uses 11mm, and i already have the 11mm bolts for it.

[Shelby15psi]

Justin, You prob have 10mm like me. My machine dude said that it would "Ruin the structural intregity" of the block if he drilled and tapped them to 11mm, its he a cracker jack?? He seems to know what hes doing when it comes to everything else, but when I mentioned the head bolt thing, he kinda suprised me when he responded like that, he doesnt really want to do it, should I tell him I want it done regardless or should I find another machine shop to do it.....he said it might mess up something with the water jackets or some wierd thing, I take it no one has had any major problems doing this??

Another thing, I am going to keep the 85 block, I just had the rods fitted so they dont use pressed pins, and have new bearings, cast mahles and such, I dont plan on running over 300 hp, so I think itll be fine. I am thinking about swapping the motor into the csxt, it does have a a520 tranny, which is stronger than the a525 which the charger as, this wont be a problem will it??

-Dustin