Author Topic: Cross bolting cost?  (Read 6579 times)

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plovett

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Cross bolting cost?
« on: July 22, 2020, 03:41:22 PM »
I'm not sure if this should go in the tech forum soo...…

How much is a reasonable price for fitting Program cross bolt caps to a non-crossbolt block?  Including line honing (align honing?)

Thanks,

paulie

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Re: Cross bolting cost?
« Reply #1 on: July 24, 2020, 09:48:05 AM »
I think I read somewhere to budget 1k for adding crossbolts to a FE block. Totally anecdotal and I have no quote or sources though. Perhaps not a helpful response but maybe someone else will chime in.
John - '68 Cougar XR7 390 FE (X-Code) 6R80 AUTO

e philpott

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Re: Cross bolting cost?
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2020, 02:55:46 PM »
This might be get answered better in the tech forum , I'm thinking my cap labor was around 750.00 back in 1999-2000 from my local machine shop Performance Clinic , they did a great job too so take that into consideration on price , counter sunk and spot faced side bolts look really sweet and professional compared to what I've seen at the swap meets back when I gave up trying to find a good/used 427 block under 5000.00. BP has mentioned a couple times about leaving the thrust cap/middle cap alone as a cost effective way ( if needed ) of doing cross bolts and just do the outer caps  other wise there's a ton of time in setting up that thrust bearing cap and getting the measurements right on top of the cross bolt stuff , he thought it was just as durable too so that might be another option if cost are out of hand
« Last Edit: July 24, 2020, 02:57:20 PM by e philpott »

SMA390

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Re: Cross bolting cost?
« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2020, 08:52:05 AM »
Performance Clinic built my first 390 back in the early 90's..small world
a few years later I worked at Ault and James

My427stang

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Re: Cross bolting cost?
« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2020, 10:01:25 AM »
Paulie, my guy said 750 to install caps,  I'd say 750-1000 is realistic. 

You didn't ask, but a good mag, square deck, torque plate hone, and (if required) tapping all oil galleys, runs about 860 here, if the block needs to be abraded, he adds 100.  I install cam bearings myself, so not sure what that would add, my guess says 100, same with sonic checking, I think 150 around here

Knowing the new project, my gut says, a good square decked, magged, sonic checked block, finished with pistons fitted, ready for assembly and the caps would bounce between 1600-1800 depending on what kind of additional work was needed. 

Good machinists are a dying breed around here, COVID decimated what was already thin
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Ross
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475fetoploader

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Re: Cross bolting cost?
« Reply #5 on: July 28, 2020, 12:27:30 PM »
Have you considered a girdle? I’m putting this on to try out. I’ve never done one before, not sure where we land as far as a strength increase if any. It looks beneficial.
1967  Fairlane Tunnel Wedge on Proports.
1975 4x4 461 f.e. 4speed Dual Quads on 38’s
Love many, Trust few. Always paddle your own canoe.

blykins

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Re: Cross bolting cost?
« Reply #6 on: July 28, 2020, 12:38:21 PM »
The main girdles are nice, but they are a machining nightmare. 
Brent Lykins
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Custom Roller & Flat Tappet Camshafts
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475fetoploader

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Re: Cross bolting cost?
« Reply #7 on: July 28, 2020, 01:55:05 PM »
You’re making me nervous. All I did was set it on my Bridgeport, and cut the caps down the thickness of the spacers. Hopefully it’s ready for a main home now.
1967  Fairlane Tunnel Wedge on Proports.
1975 4x4 461 f.e. 4speed Dual Quads on 38’s
Love many, Trust few. Always paddle your own canoe.

blykins

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Re: Cross bolting cost?
« Reply #8 on: July 28, 2020, 02:34:46 PM »
When we did one here, we had to make a pass across the pan rails. 
Brent Lykins
Lykins Motorsports
Custom FE Street, Drag Race, Road Race, and Pulling Truck Engines
Custom Roller & Flat Tappet Camshafts
www.lykinsmotorsports.com
brent@lykinsmotorsports.com
www.customfordcams.com
502-759-1431
Instagram:  brentlykinsmotorsports
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rcianci

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Re: Cross bolting cost?
« Reply #9 on: July 28, 2020, 04:19:59 PM »
In reference to the main girdle ,there is a former ford engineer (I think) who sells a beautiful kit , out of wisconsin, for $395 US. Comes with everything you need. No machining, with full Instructions. I will be buying one when I refresh my 445. Kit is on epay. Thx. Bob.

blykins

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Re: Cross bolting cost?
« Reply #10 on: July 28, 2020, 04:27:04 PM »
In reference to the main girdle ,there is a former ford engineer (I think) who sells a beautiful kit , out of wisconsin, for $395 US. Comes with everything you need. No machining, with full Instructions. I will be buying one when I refresh my 445. Kit is on epay. Thx. Bob.

That's the one I used.....there is machining involved.  Lots of it if you want to be accurate.
Brent Lykins
Lykins Motorsports
Custom FE Street, Drag Race, Road Race, and Pulling Truck Engines
Custom Roller & Flat Tappet Camshafts
www.lykinsmotorsports.com
brent@lykinsmotorsports.com
www.customfordcams.com
502-759-1431
Instagram:  brentlykinsmotorsports
YouTube:  Lykins Motorsports

475fetoploader

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Re: Cross bolting cost?
« Reply #11 on: July 28, 2020, 05:55:14 PM »
Can’t see where it’s possible without cutting the caps. I didn’t make a pass on the pan rail, however I had a lengthy process squaring the block on my mill. Then I cut all the caps to height so the spacers fit perfectly between the caps and the girdle. If this was done inaccurately, I believe you could wind up loading a bearing improperly.
1967  Fairlane Tunnel Wedge on Proports.
1975 4x4 461 f.e. 4speed Dual Quads on 38’s
Love many, Trust few. Always paddle your own canoe.

Thumperbird

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Re: Cross bolting cost?
« Reply #12 on: July 28, 2020, 06:00:56 PM »
Forgive the inexperienced FE question.
Does the girdle mod reduce or eliminate the increased likelyhood of block split I an told about between the cam and mains on a 600hp plus engine?
Thanks.

plovett

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Re: Cross bolting cost?
« Reply #13 on: July 28, 2020, 06:24:16 PM »
Forgive the inexperienced FE question.
Does the girdle mod reduce or eliminate the increased likelyhood of block split I an told about between the cam and mains on a 600hp plus engine?
Thanks.

Good question!  My feeling is yes, it would reduce the likelihood of the block splitting, but I don't really know.

pl

plovett

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Re: Cross bolting cost?
« Reply #14 on: July 28, 2020, 06:26:15 PM »
If one wanted to get crazy, one could crossbolt AND girdle the block.  The FE funny cars did that back in the day.  If you just couldn't or wouldn't use an aftermarket block.

pl