What do you all think about the SMP block main bearing caps??

[Turbofreak]

I guess I would have to have the block line-bore-honed if these were installed??

Do you all really think it is worth doing for a 2.5L with a 6,000rpm limit???

I have so much money in this turd that I couldn't stand to have one weak point that costs $300 to fix cause a failure...

GRP rods, fully polydn coated Venolias, Total seal gapless chrome steel rings, All ARP studs everywhere... blah blah blah....

I guess what I am asking is it detonation or rpm swing of the block that needs these better caps??

Any info??

Thanks
RYNO

[Turbofreak]

Gary, do you have any ideas on this??

Do you think it is required?

The common block engines seem to be relatively beefy in this area anyways, so I don't know if it is a big deal or not... Also, being that I am running the lighter 2.5L turbo crank, and being balanced and all...I wouldn't think that the block main system would be the weak point, but I may be wrong at HP above 450hp?? Any thoughts from anyone on this??

I do plan on running a 75-150hp shot of Nitrous through a direct port setup, but after I am in 2nd gear or in 3rd gear only... I don't want to be beat... ;-) I want to MPH like the DOHC guys..

[Turbofreak]

I want/plan on 500+hp...

RYNO

[86Shelby]

If you're wanting that kind of HP you may as well. You do have a long way to get there though...maybe even become one of those DOHC guys! Good luck!

[gdonovan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbofreak Gary, do you have any ideas on this?? Do you think it is required?

Non-issue on the Reliant and other people like Brian Slowe & James Reeves are showing no problems either.

On the other hand it's not a bad idea to head off problems before they show up, you just know if they ever will or not.

[Turbofreak]

Ok, thanks for the input, I appreciate your thoughts.... I guess I will try to contact them and see how long to get some made....

Thanks again!
RYNO

P.S.-I figure on going DOHC in the future anyways, so more power will be put on the block if I can keep it together at this level to start with (400hp+)...

[Chris Faulk]

I have a MP heavy duty race block and it has forged main caps with ARP installed.

How's that for a good block?! hehe

[DakotaKid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Faulk I have a MP heavy duty race block and it has forged main caps with ARP installed. How's that for a good block?! hehe

What?

[Chris Faulk]

Did I not say something clearly?

Just wondering what the guys would say about my block is all...

[DakotaKid]

Did not know such a thing exists.
Tell me more!

[igotaneed4speed]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Faulk I have a MP heavy duty race block and it has forged main caps with ARP installed. How's that for a good block?! hehe

yea id like like sum info on that block too... where you get it from? how much? whats all to it?


derrick

edit: a part # would be even nicer

[Chris Faulk]

I'll look to see if I can spy a casting number on the block.

Well here's the scoop as best I can give from memory. I bought the block from Forward Motion in July 1999. I had recently blown piston no.1 in my '87 Shelby Z and told Mike I wanted to build a bullet-proof bottom end. He told me he had a 1994 casting of a Mopar Performance HD race block on his shelf...5 years sitting there 'cause nobody wanted it. The block weighs some 13-15lbs more than a typical T-II block. From what I can tell it's just a heavier casting of an OE T-II block (even has a fuel pump block-off plate). But you notice the difference in the webbing (very thick) and the main caps which are forged. Mike installed ARP main studs, o-ringed the block, bored it .040 over, line-bored it, and then shipped it to me for a whopping $700.

Mike told me it was the last block like this available new...and I've only talked to ONE other guy with a MP block and he ended up busting his not building it properly.

Lemme go see if I can find some nmbers on this thing.

[4 L-bodies]

Bryan,
A motor very similiar to that is being built very close to where you live. Guy lives in St. Cloud, MN. 2.3 liter (+.050), Billet 4 bolt mains, o-ringed, new un-used block from circle track racer. Needless to say, steel crank, good rods, and all ARP hardware. That motor also also has fuel pump cutout, and like Chris says, all that additional webbing. I will be installing that motor into his 86 GLHS soon. The President of our local chapter should know these things! (LOL)
Todd

[DakotaKid]

Todd,
Is he a member?
-Bryan

[4 L-bodies]

Bryan,
I doubt it. His name is Troy B_________ He has no computer access at this time. I will let you know when the motor gets down to my house. It's pretty stout looking.
Todd