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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.
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
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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