Engne Builders - How much HP before you need a better block?
 

I'm thinking about the head gasket failures that many have experienced when supercharging. It may not just be the fault of the gasket if the block is not rigid enough, not enough head bolts, not enough cooling etc, etc. At what HP level do you recommend a better block to your customers? Which block do you prefer and why?

Re: Engne Builders - How much HP before you need a better block?
 

The GM496 engine has the extra head bolts the the aftermarket blocks have

Re: Engne Builders - How much HP before you need a better block?
 

What are you considering a better block? Are you comparing a stock 502 block to a GM Bowtie or Merlin?

Re: Engne Builders - How much HP before you need a better block?
 

Just use the new NASCAR stainless laminated head gaskets... end of problem. Expensive, but they work!!

Re: Engne Builders - How much HP before you need a better block?
 

Head BOLTS? Why not studs?

Re: Engne Builders - How much HP before you need a better block?
 

Cometic or the new Fel-pro head gaskets work the best.Head studs provide the best clamping.Use Arp head bolts if not going into a blind hole in the block.

Re: Engne Builders - How much HP before you need a better block?
 

I used felpro marine gskts w/stock 502 block.arp bolts &merlin heads,160 hours w/up to 8 psi boost,no head gskt failures,felpro marine gskts on 540 w/merlin block,merlin heads,arp studs,up to 12 psi boost,130 hrs no head gskt problems. Our local head porter reccomended the merlin heads when i added suprcharger originally to prevent gskt problems,he said stock 502 heads where thin decked and blew head gskts easily w/supercharged apps,Smitty

Re: Engne Builders - How much HP before you need a better block?
 

I had a gen 4- 454 block at 762hp at 10pds boost.never had a prob. The block head bolt hole ended pulling out from the rust at about 8 years old . Bought a merlin 2 and they claim its good to 1000hp But I have seen some at 1250 on the drag strip with no problems

I figure anything above 15psi you would need the extra bolt holes..


Had a buddy blow one out in the front of the head and block. looked like the car was on fire when it blew. He was only at 36% over on a 14 /71 :eek: :eek: :D


I think most of the failures are from detonation,not from the block or head gaskets.
We where one of the first ones using the Fel Pro Loc Wire gaskets on a Chevy 350 nitrous motor.got up to 475hp of nos on a 350 never blew a head gasket but burned a few pistons and even burned a hole thru a exhaust valve once We would have to tear the motor down just to send them the gaskets back :( .free gaskets where nice though :D .The gasket never blew.it did show a little detonation on the gasket ring but no blow thru. Usually the head gasket was suppose to be the fail safe .

My buddy at Fel pro said the new steel gasket is stronger than the Loc Wire

Good luck

rob

Re: Engne Builders - How much HP before you need a better block?
 

Tomcat,
Call or e-mail me and I will give you a telephone number of a "gasket" guru that can shed some light for you. I would also recommend using his custom gaskets in your future endeavors.

Chris