Main caps question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 1
From: Zagreb, Croatia
Main caps question
I've acquired a second block for my engine (since my original block can't be repaired). Problem is that this block wasn't assembled when I got it and now I don't know main caps positions.
Is there any way to identify main caps position?
If I switch their positions, is align honing a must?
Is there any way to identify main caps position?
If I switch their positions, is align honing a must?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,624
Likes: 431
From: Dale City VA
GM stamp numbers the main caps. The stamp is located right on top (right side).
Sometimes the stamps are light and hard to read but they are there.
The rear cap is not numbered but it's position should be evident (its completely different so the oil pump will bolt up).
Will
Sometimes the stamps are light and hard to read but they are there.
The rear cap is not numbered but it's position should be evident (its completely different so the oil pump will bolt up).
Will
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 1
From: Zagreb, Croatia
After a little closer examination, I think that I've located numbers 2, 3 and 4 and that's enough.
Other question is, if I put a crank that was in different engine into this
block, does it also require align honing or some other machining?
Other question is, if I put a crank that was in different engine into this
block, does it also require align honing or some other machining?
Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 610
Likes: 1
You don't need to fool with the block for a crank change. However, unless you are certain about the pedigree of the new block and caps then it's good insurance to have it done anyway. In fact, even if you do know for certain that you have the caps that go to that block, there could be core shift throwing the journals out of line. Is it worth the $150 or so to make sure?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
How could core shift, which occurs before the block is out of the mold, survive the final factory machining? A crank shaft change could never cause a need for align boring or honing. The main bearing bores can be checked for alignment and corrected if necessary without preforming the operation.
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Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 610
Likes: 1
Perhaps "core shift" wasn't the proper nomenclature. Engine blocks are known to "adjust" to some extent after undergoing normal heat cycles. That is why engine builders often prefer to choose used blocks for performance builds. Considering the time and money involved in doing such a job, I would prefer to know that everything is correct.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Merritt Ils Fl
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From: The Top of Utah
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