It looks like the GTO is due for engine #3, so I'm in the market for a 400 Pontiac block, year is less important to me than condition. Will pick up if reasonably local to Detroit area.
Here's one in Waterford: http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/pts/3443103047.html and another further north: http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/pts/3400232406.html Also if you haven't already, try posting in "parts wanted" to get a larger audience. Devon
I found one locally on Performance Years. Tim, I'm beginning to wonder myself. There was a valvetrain problem (suspect that the guides were machined too tight, but still confirming) that led to some unplanned piston to valve contact. The damage from that was limited to one valve, but obviously required head removal of both heads to inspect/root cause/correct. Removal of the head led to the discovery of some severely scored cylinder walls, primarily cylinders 1 and 2, with the damage getting smaller as you go towards the back of the block. This block was already + .060" and was just a mid 70's passenger car 400, so I'm better off starting with a new one. The only theory we've been able to come up with on the cylinder damage is that some abrasive from the extrude hone on the intake wasn't flushed properly and went through the engine. This was run only enough to break in the cam and had 5-6 street miles on it, the bulk of which were driving it to the exhaust shop and then to Jake's Automotive for a dyno session that never happened (that's when the valve damage was discovered). There was no metal in the oil when I drained it and nothing found that could have caused it. I was worried that maybe the cam was wiped, but it was fine. ---------- Post added at 12:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:11 PM ---------- For those keeping score, that's two blocks I've ruined on a car that's never been over 40 MPH in the time I've owned it. The most RPM it's seen was the 3500 or so it saw setting the timing.
You're correct, it has a smaller cam and lower compression than what was stock.:eek2::moonu: It was a very mild FAST engine, put together with the goal of being streetable, while running ET's similar to your Mustang. The PS forum seems to get more hits than the "other guys" on this site.
Randy, have you posted in the wanted section on PY? I'm sure there are plenty out near you. If you were closer, I'd hook you up- got several spares in the garage.
I posted over there also and actually ended up finding a std. bore block locally, just figured I'd cover the bases here as well. I'm picking it up Saturday. Time to start hiding the credit card statements again.ou:
