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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: 410bruce on February 24, 2020, 08:27:54 AM

Title: Maximum Horsepower for Base Block
Post by: 410bruce on February 24, 2020, 08:27:54 AM: Hey guys. At what point are the base, non-reinforced main cylinder blocks considered not advisable to use? Street or race use.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Maximum Horsepower for Base Block
Post by: blykins on February 24, 2020, 09:07:25 AM: When they split in half.....LOL

There's really not a number that you can put on a block as to when it will fail. It depends on the rpm, horsepower, etc., etc. Some of them may live at 700 hp, some may split at 600.
Title: Re: Maximum Horsepower for Base Block
Post by: 410bruce on February 24, 2020, 09:12:28 AM: Cool. Thanks Brent. :)
Title: Re: Maximum Horsepower for Base Block
Post by: thatdarncat on February 24, 2020, 09:27:57 AM: I have a couple 428 blocks that are cracked up the mains. One was raced, but I know it wasn’t making anywhere near 600hp, the other I don’t know the history of, but no evidence it was a high horsepower engine either. Both have the three finger main webs.

(https://i.postimg.cc/T3GwPmGb/175-BC5-CB-242-C-4-BDA-B705-EA1-A693-CCE60.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jLgKgDDq)
Title: Re: Maximum Horsepower for Base Block
Post by: 410bruce on February 24, 2020, 09:44:41 AM: Quote from: thatdarncat on February 24, 2020, 09:27:57 AM
I have a couple 428 blocks that are cracked up the mains. One was raced, but I know it wasn’t making anywhere near 600hp, the other I don’t know the history of, but no evidence it was a high horsepower engine either. Both have the three finger main webs.

(https://i.postimg.cc/T3GwPmGb/175-BC5-CB-242-C-4-BDA-B705-EA1-A693-CCE60.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jLgKgDDq)
Wow! I wonder what would cause that? Is that repairable?
Title: Re: Maximum Horsepower for Base Block
Post by: Falcon67 on February 24, 2020, 10:09:43 AM: >When they split in half.....LOL

Truth for all stock blocks IMHO. I've seen 302 blocks go 2~3 seasons with 500+ HP N/A and a 150 shot every pass and seen same blocks go 4 passes at under 500 HP and then fall apart. Same like rear ends LOL - a guy I know that raced a Cougar - 351W, low 11's - ran wheels up every pass on an 8" rear pig with 28 spline axles. 3rd year he finally spit the pinion out. Most of the Ford people I know that race are using aftermarket blocks. You just never know. The spare 302 makes around 300 ish, I put that one together in 1995. I had a 351C that went 2 seasons and split 5 cylinder walls plus exhibited major cap walk, the 351C in the Falcon has been raced since 2006, has 3000+ rounds on it. Like a Timex watch LOL. [ Immediately runs around knocking on every piece of wood in the office]