Question about using splayed caps.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,659
Likes: 82
From: Toronto ontario
Question about using splayed caps.
Just crossed my mind that iron and steel must have different expansion rates. Wouldn't it be better to use iron ones? Sorry for the stupid question 
next question is I remember the middle caps being 4 bolt on my block, when using splayed caps ona 2 bolt block to start how many caps can be beefened up? Sorry if its a dumb question, can the front and rear caps be strengthened? im just asking because I have seen LSX blocks with their gazillion bolt caps everywhere.
next question is I remember the middle caps being 4 bolt on my block, when using splayed caps ona 2 bolt block to start how many caps can be beefened up? Sorry if its a dumb question, can the front and rear caps be strengthened? im just asking because I have seen LSX blocks with their gazillion bolt caps everywhere.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
caps
The co-efficient of expansion should be really close since they are both ferrous metals, have copious amounts of nickel and tin, and the temp that they should expand under can't be more than 230-250 degrees. Not enough to really make a difference.
If you are talking aluminum and steel, 400 degrees, then it's time to sit up and take notice.
The heat transfer takes place from the oil to the block, from the block to the water, from the water to the radiator, from the radiator to the air.
Granted the oil temp is higher than the water, but the surface contact from all the materials involved should keep an overtemp from occuring.
If you are talking aluminum and steel, 400 degrees, then it's time to sit up and take notice.
The heat transfer takes place from the oil to the block, from the block to the water, from the water to the radiator, from the radiator to the air.
Granted the oil temp is higher than the water, but the surface contact from all the materials involved should keep an overtemp from occuring.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
I had my 2 bolt 400 block modified to four bolt mains using Oliver caps and studs. They were only installed on the center three positions.
I know oil pan clearance would be an issue on #1 but I'm not sure why #5 can't/wasn't done; never thought to ask.
Jake
I know oil pan clearance would be an issue on #1 but I'm not sure why #5 can't/wasn't done; never thought to ask.
Jake
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 111
From: Tucson AZ
4 bolt cap conversion
Usually they avoid converting the rear main on a small block because it houses both the rear main seal and the oil pump (on a wet sump system).
On a big block Chevy, you can convert 2 bolt blocks to 4 bolt mains using a set of factory 4 bolt main caps and then convert all 5 caps.
On a big block Chevy, you can convert 2 bolt blocks to 4 bolt mains using a set of factory 4 bolt main caps and then convert all 5 caps.
