454 missing caps

brian schuetta · 09-21-2015, 11:11 AM

I found two 454 2-bolt blocks over the weekend. Problem is, one is standard bore and missing all the main caps, the other is .030 over and missing the #4 main cap. Before or if I move on these I would like to know where to source the 2-bolt caps. I know they would have to be align bored or honed. Does converting to 4-bolt mains weaken the blocks? I thought about taking the caps off a 396 that's laying around. Was looking to use block in a 3/4 ton work truck.

Rich Biebel · 09-21-2015, 01:45 PM

Mains were bored after caps were installed and caps don't all interchange well. The Register locates the cap so when replacing caps, it usually meant trying a number of them to find a close fit first. Once your close it can be align bored and or honed. You could find a cap that fit the register but the bore was off too far to align bore it. Aftermarket caps are small to allow for this issue. Most shops saved old caps just for this purpose.

kansas stocker · 09-21-2015, 01:47 PM

For a work truck go find another block.
Way cheaper and faster.
Pete

brian schuetta · 09-22-2015, 11:22 AM

Will pick through this guys storage, maybe I can find the one missing cap. If not will just forget these two and keep looking. I planned on using studs or new Arp bolts along with a 4.25 stroke crank. Thanks for your replies.

Mike Taylor 3601 · 09-23-2015, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Biebel

Mains were bored after caps were installed and caps don't all interchange well. The Register locates the cap so when replacing caps, it usually meant trying a number of them to find a close fit first. Once your close it can be align bored and or honed. You could find a cap that fit the register but the bore was off too far to align bore it. Aftermarket caps are small to allow for this issue. Most shops saved old caps just for this purpose.

I have done a truck load of blocks like that, occasionally you will come across a block that is different than every cap you try, on those you can shift the cap by welding cap where it goes in block and cut the other side,to move it to where bore lines up,I use machinable nickel rod,
Mike Taylor 3601

09-21-2015, 11:11 AM	#1
brian schuetta Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: san antonio tx Posts: 255 Likes: 5 Liked 28 Times in 15 Posts	454 missing caps I found two 454 2-bolt blocks over the weekend. Problem is, one is standard bore and missing all the main caps, the other is .030 over and missing the #4 main cap. Before or if I move on these I would like to know where to source the 2-bolt caps. I know they would have to be align bored or honed. Does converting to 4-bolt mains weaken the blocks? I thought about taking the caps off a 396 that's laying around. Was looking to use block in a 3/4 ton work truck.

09-21-2015, 01:45 PM	#2
Rich Biebel VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Jersey suburbs Posts: 2,287 Likes: 25 Liked 519 Times in 205 Posts	Re: 454 missing caps Mains were bored after caps were installed and caps don't all interchange well. The Register locates the cap so when replacing caps, it usually meant trying a number of them to find a close fit first. Once your close it can be align bored and or honed. You could find a cap that fit the register but the bore was off too far to align bore it. Aftermarket caps are small to allow for this issue. Most shops saved old caps just for this purpose. __________________ Rich Biebel S/C 1479 Stock 147R

09-21-2015, 01:47 PM	#3
kansas stocker Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: kansas Posts: 230 Likes: 428 Liked 237 Times in 44 Posts	Re: 454 missing caps For a work truck go find another block. Way cheaper and faster. Pete

09-22-2015, 11:22 AM	#4
brian schuetta Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: san antonio tx Posts: 255 Likes: 5 Liked 28 Times in 15 Posts	Re: 454 missing caps Will pick through this guys storage, maybe I can find the one missing cap. If not will just forget these two and keep looking. I planned on using studs or new Arp bolts along with a 4.25 stroke crank. Thanks for your replies.