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Tall deck blocks vs. standard deck blocks: What the difference?

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Old Apr 7, 2005 | 10:58 PM
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Default Tall deck blocks vs. standard deck blocks: What the difference?

Is this the same as a Mark IV block (standard) vs. a newer Mark V block (tall)?

I'd be grateful if someone could clear this up for me.

Regards,

Bryan
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Old Apr 7, 2005 | 11:01 PM
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Originally Posted by 300ZXTwinTurbo
Is this the same as a Mark IV block (standard) vs. a newer Mark V block (tall)?

I'd be grateful if someone could clear this up for me.

Regards,

Bryan
I,m almost positive tall decks were only used in trucks.
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Old Apr 7, 2005 | 11:22 PM
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Originally Posted by 300ZXTwinTurbo
Is this the same as a Mark IV block (standard) vs. a newer Mark V block (tall)?

I'd be grateful if someone could clear this up for me.

Regards,

Bryan
OK FOUND IT - HEAVEY DUTY TRUCK VERSION OF STANDARD PASSENGER CAR BLOCK. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO BLOCKS IS .400-IN. HIGHER DECK . THE TRUCK BLOCK MEASURES 10.200-IN. FROM CRANCKSHAFT CENTERLINE TO DECK SURFACE. FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE ENGINES THE ADVANTAGE OF MORE DECK HEIGHT IS THAT IT ALOWS THE USE OF LONGER THAN STOCK CONNECTING RODS. ORIGINALY WAS FOR USEING PISTONS WITH 4 RINGS RATHER THAN 3.
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Old Apr 7, 2005 | 11:34 PM
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Don't start mixing the Mark IV and Gen V, VI Blocks....world of difference between the two.
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Old Apr 7, 2005 | 11:34 PM
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Did that answer your question Bryan?
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Old Apr 7, 2005 | 11:41 PM
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Tall decks are a pain in the butt and don't lend themselves well to cars with limited engine space. Since the decks are taller, exhaust ports end up being raised about .250". You'll need a special manifold and distributor plus custom brackets. Best bet if you have one is to find a drag racer to sell it to and find a standard deck block to use instead. Drag racers like 'em because they have great rod:stroke ratios and they're all 4-bolt main blocks. If you don't need the crankcase area for a big stroke, don't use one. HTH
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Old Apr 7, 2005 | 11:58 PM
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Jim - Thanks for taking the time to help me come up with answers.

Perhaps I should have phrased the question a bit different. The big block in my vette is a Mark IV block, that much I know. Now, I have no idea what block came with my GM 502 crate motor'd Camaro.

Any thoughts as to which block came with the 502?

Thanks all.

Bryan
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Old Apr 8, 2005 | 12:15 AM
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Originally Posted by 300ZXTwinTurbo
Now, I have no idea what block came with my GM 502 crate motor'd Camaro.

Any thoughts as to which block came with the 502?

Thanks all.

Bryan
Could be Gen V or Gen VI, either one...depends when the 502 was built/purchased. Gen VI replaced the Gen V block sometime in the 90's
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Old Apr 8, 2005 | 12:16 AM
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502 is a gen Vi Block
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Old Apr 8, 2005 | 12:17 AM
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the 502 (8.2 liter)big block part # 10185085 has a short deck 4 inch stroke like the 454 but a lager bore 4.466. only available thru GM perf parts. first produced in 1970

Last edited by jimvette74; Apr 8, 2005 at 12:20 AM. Reason: add info
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Old Apr 8, 2005 | 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by L88Plus
Tall decks are a pain in the butt and don't lend themselves well to cars with limited engine space. Since the decks are taller, exhaust ports end up being raised about .250". You'll need a special manifold and distributor plus custom brackets. Best bet if you have one is to find a drag racer to sell it to and find a standard deck block to use instead. Drag racers like 'em because they have great rod:stroke ratios and they're all 4-bolt main blocks. If you don't need the crankcase area for a big stroke, don't use one. HTH
Intake spacers are available to use short deck intakes on a tall block but you still need a tall deck distributor. The accessory brackets will be in a different location too, since the heads are raised. The stock Corvette accessory brackets may not work.
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Old Apr 8, 2005 | 10:21 AM
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Originally Posted by 300ZXTwinTurbo
Perhaps I should have phrased the question a bit different. The big block in my vette is a Mark IV block, that much I know. Now, I have no idea what block came with my GM 502 crate motor'd Camaro.

Any thoughts as to which block came with the 502?
You have a short deck block with that 502 crate motor. The new 572 crates have the tall deck - and massive HP!
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Old Apr 8, 2005 | 11:19 AM
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I am building a tall-deck Dart block with a 4.5" crank. 580ci now but can be overbored to as much as 605ci. Haven't installed it yet, but I know the headers will need to be reworked and I will probably have firewall to valve cover clearance issues. I machined the flange off the tach-drive distributer and am using a split-coller in its place so that's no problem. Not sure what to do with the hood yet, but I don't plan on installing it until mid-summer so I have plenty of time.
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Old Apr 8, 2005 | 12:39 PM
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Originally Posted by After Shark
502 is a gen Vi Block
Could also be a Gen V, if purchased in late 80's early 90's. The 502 was introduce and sold as an inboard marine motor, but the car guys started to buy the GEN V 502 for their rides, and found out that Mark IV heads were not compatible with the blocks....GM redisigned the water passages hence the Gen VI designation and compatibility with Mark IV heads.

Last edited by GDaina; Apr 8, 2005 at 12:42 PM.
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Old Apr 8, 2005 | 01:07 PM
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Mark IV has boss for mechanical fuel pump.
Gen V, no fuel pump boss, one piece rear seal. Different water passages to heads.
Gen VI Changed thw water passages to use Mark IV heads. Machined for roller lifeters. Identified by new 6 bolt aluminum timing cover.
Tall 10.2", short 9.8.
Your 502 will be a short deck. There were a few Mark IVs, mainly in marine applications, but most likely Gen V or VI.
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Old Apr 8, 2005 | 08:26 PM
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Originally Posted by 68427
I am building a tall-deck Dart block with a 4.5" crank. 580ci now but can be overbored to as much as 605ci. Haven't installed it yet, but I know the headers will need to be reworked and I will probably have firewall to valve cover clearance issues. I machined the flange off the tach-drive distributer and am using a split-coller in its place so that's no problem. Not sure what to do with the hood yet, but I don't plan on installing it until mid-summer so I have plenty of time.
that sounds like quite the beast your building, what are you using for a rear end? keep us updated on the project
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