428 block needs a sleeve

[bn69stang]

I found a 428 industrial block for $ 300.00 , it s .030 now and the guy let me take it to the machine shop so i could get it checked out . It needs a sleeve , but otherwise it s good and usable , it would go to at least .050 over but the one cylinder has a nick that cant be bored out . My buddy at the machine shop charged me $ 50.00 to check it out .. Bud

[XR7]

One sleeve is no problem, if done correctly with a step at the bottom. I would do that and then go .035 over, pistons and rings are available in that size. Could go .040, just depends... go a small over as possible.

[bn69stang]

I would have $ 350.00 in it , but 428 blocks are getting so hard to find , whats your guy s opinion on sleeves , how many is to much ? . Is it ok for 2 sleeves , but on opposite sides of block ? . Thanks X R 7 and i agree with .035 over , or as small as possible ..Bud

[bill_396]

I have two in one of mine, opposite ends of same bank. Last time it was down I had them re-done by a more reputable shop but I had not had any trouble at that point either.

[bn69stang]

Thanks Bill , good to know for $ 350.00 im gonna get it . i figure it s not a waste ..

[XR7]

My opinion is that 2 sleeves are fine as long as they are not next to each other, as that weakens the deck and will leak water eventually. One on each bank is no problem, or like mentioned above, one each end of the same bank, etc. Each sleeve will cost approx 100 or so, for the sleeve and the machining/install (around here anyway, could be more or less at your machine shop. If the block sonic tested good, use a .093 wall sleeve instead of .062, close to standard bore, then bore .030 over, then final hone with plates to .035 or whatever final bore will be for all cylinders.

[bn69stang]

Thanks again XR7 , the $ 50.00 was for a sonic check , i have only one extra 428 block , so for $ 350.00 with the sonic check , i snagged it and will put it in the corner of the garage for now ..Bud

[bn69stang]

Ok , it s snagged , good or bad it s in the garage - worse case it s trading material .. Bud

[cjshaker]

Agreed with Thor (XR7). I've run several 427 blocks with 2 sleeves, all on separate sides due to a busted rod, never an issue. One, which is my current back-up block, has 2 and neither are stepped on the bottom. Fairly common to do it that way back in the day when they weren't so rare. That block has been around for quite a while and is a known good block even with the less than ideal sleeves. Today, as Thor said, the step is the MUCH preferred way of doing things. Sounds like you got a good deal on that block even if it needs a sleeve.

[My427stang]

Same here, my 489 has 3, and it had almost identical leakdown numbers in 2016 as it did when assembled in 2006

[blykins]

Good buy. 

Putting a sleeve in a 40 year old block certainly isn't the end of the world and it's going to be expected more and more as these blocks get older.   Guys let them sit with water in them or some of them have been hurt at some point. 

If you have $300 in a 428 block and have to put another $100-150 in it to get it ready for machine work, you're still ahead.

[bn69stang]

Thanks for the feedback Doug @ Ross , it s a backup to my backup right now ,, Bud

[bn69stang]

Thanks Brent , they re just getting so hard to find i figured i better snag it .. Bud

[Lowrider]

One can never have too much FE stuff even if it's just sitting in the corner.

[bn69stang]

Exactly , need more intakes , valve covers ..ect  Bud