Pro-Gram engineering cross bolt caps question

[AlanCasida]

I recently got some Pro-Gram Engineering crossbolt caps to upgrade my infamous two bolt main 427. I think it has been suffering from an inferiority complex or something  . Anyway, Is it a better idea to replace all 5 caps or is it ok to just replace the 3 center caps?

[WConley]

The existing #1 and #5 will be fine, since you're going to have to align bore the whole thing with the new ProGram caps. 

I'm assuming the existing caps are in good shape - not loose or terribly rusty.  Since you're upgrading the caps and line-boring, now would also be a good time to upgrade to ARP main bolts or studs.

[jayb]

+1 on what Bill said, Alan, use the opportunity to get some studs in #1 and #5 and re-use those caps - Jay

[AlanCasida]

Thanks, guys. That's what I was thinking but it's good to heard it from "the guys in the know"!

[fekbmax]

Man that rear cap is a nice hefty piece though.  LoL. Just been fondling one that's for a friend's 4X4 mud bog build where he's gonna use a full set. They may not be needed but there a nice piece. Wonder if I can work a trades tradeske lol. I have never used a full set but wouldn't mind having an excuse to..

[AlanCasida]

Man that rear cap is a nice hefty piece though.  LoL. Just been fondling one that's for a friend's 4X4 mud bog build where he's gonna use a full set. They may not be needed but there a nice piece. Wonder if I can work a trades tradeske lol. I have never used a full set but wouldn't mind having an excuse to..

I know what you mean. It is a slick piece for sure! 

[MeanMofakee]

I was actually wondering the same thing. Just received a set(2,3,4) direct from pro-gram as everybody else seemed to be out of them. Still working on finding a shop close to the Minneapolis area to do the machining. Asked on here and the suggestion I got back and kind of struck out. I find it hard to believe that there isn't a place that has a Rottler machine like Blue oval uses to do this work. Would want someone with some previous experience.

[jayb]

If you have contacted R&R Performance and they can't do it, try Buck at Crow Custom Cast Welding in Hudson, WI.  He's just across the border, and he has a Rottler or similar machine there.  I had him do some block work a while back that nobody else could do.  Website below:

http://www.castmetalwelding.com/

[MeanMofakee]

Thanks Jay. When I called R&R they made it sound like they can only line hone not line bore. The problem is I don't want to piss off the guy I had set-up to do the build. He was going to have to send it out for some of the machine work anyway but sounded like a certain amount of work he was going to do. Bad deal to do an engine build and not be able to have one shop do it all. Not the way I was planning on. The guy is a good ol boy that knows fords and done all types, nothing but good feedback from people that I asked. Dirt-track roundy round race engine builder, pullers and has a 9 second Falcon.