Can this block be repaired?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Holmes Pa
Can this block be repaired?
I am a newbie and am restoring/rebuilding a 69 Corvette to show and drive. The engine block is cracked. I found a machine shop in New England that says they can metal stitch the block. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this kind of repair or is there a better way? It is the original 427 390HP block and I would like to save it if possible, But I want to drive this car when finished and I don't want spend the $$ rebuilding the engine if this repair is going to come back to haunt me in the future.The machine shop is J&M Machine www.jandm-machine.com Does anyone have any experience with them or could you recommend anyone else? I am in the Philadelphia area. The block has two cracks. One is easy to see the other a little more difficult. I marked the block with tape in the one picture so you could see where the crack is. Any input would be appreciated especially from those in the know.
Thanks, Tony
Thanks, Tony
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
I would think it was possible. It is in the water jacket and not the cylinder so there is not a lot of pressure. Cast iron CAN be welded, but it takes experience and special rod to do it correct.
Will they guarantee their work??
Will they guarantee their work??
1st Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
i have repaired blocks and heads with the stitch method with both good and bad results.
the crack on the outside of the block looks like a good candidate for "stitching" but its awfully close to the head bolt hole. that may cause a problem down the road.
if you can find a shop that has extensive experience with cast iron welding you are better off. it will cost you but if something like barret jackson is your goal....?
there is also something called "spray welding" using a torch and a filler powder. i have no experience with it but saw a demonstration at a welding shop open house that blew my mind.
good luck.
the crack on the outside of the block looks like a good candidate for "stitching" but its awfully close to the head bolt hole. that may cause a problem down the road.
if you can find a shop that has extensive experience with cast iron welding you are better off. it will cost you but if something like barret jackson is your goal....?
there is also something called "spray welding" using a torch and a filler powder. i have no experience with it but saw a demonstration at a welding shop open house that blew my mind.
good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I would not even dork with it. Who's to say that motor was original anyway? The 390/427's were a toad when they were brand new in 69. Throw it off in the corner and put a fun motor in it. Then when you sell the 69 tell them that you have the original???????? and let some poor sap deal with it.
Vettes are small peanuts in comparison to real collector cars. Smart people research old race cars and restore them. The profit margin is so much greater.
Like this March F2 I'm working on. You buy a basket case for $15K and you put about $30-40K into it and 100's of your free man hours and you end up with a $150 - 175K Or like the next level buy a basket case Lola Ford IMSA car for $150K and put $200K more into it and 100's of free man hours and you have a nearly a million dollar car.
Vettes are small peanuts in comparison to real collector cars. Smart people research old race cars and restore them. The profit margin is so much greater.
Like this March F2 I'm working on. You buy a basket case for $15K and you put about $30-40K into it and 100's of your free man hours and you end up with a $150 - 175K Or like the next level buy a basket case Lola Ford IMSA car for $150K and put $200K more into it and 100's of free man hours and you have a nearly a million dollar car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Trash it.
George is right. That block was frozen with water in it and may have unseen hidden damage inside. I can see more cracks in the lifter valley above the lifter bores just from your pix. Save our hobby from futility, cut that block in half or at least grind off off the casting numbers - grind off the ID stamp pad too.
cardo0
