H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.

[Tim H]

Originally Posted by Rich Biebel

Todd if your going to stick with a stock block I would look for a 4 bolt with nodular caps.

Not trying to go off topic however since so many knowledgeable / helpful people have responded to this thread, how does one identify a production 4 bolt block w/ nodular caps ?

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Tim H

Not trying to go off topic however since so many knowledgeable / helpful people have responded to this thread, how does one identify a production 4 bolt block w/ nodular caps ?

The caps with 2482 cast into them are nodular as I'm told.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Picked up a block today, .030 over newly machined with new freeze plugs and cam bearings installed, but looks as if it's been sitting in a shop for some time. Here's the plan, about an hour away there's a guy that I know of that has a strip tank for car bodies, it TOTALLY strips paint and rust from steel so I've pulled all plugs and cam bearings out of this thing and I'll drop it to him tomorrow to see how it works removing rust from blocks. Hopefully cleaning the water jackets so it's ready for hardblok on the inside and super clean everywhere else. some probably think I'm crazy for using a stock block, but I promise I have a plan. This will be a backup engine (if it ever runs) to a real nice one later. Nothing special here, certainly no worse than the 2-bolt we had.

[Rich Biebel]

Yes Todd is correct. Three center 4 bolt caps have 2482 cast into them and usually N also. Nodular iron is still cast but better than plain grey iron.
Some caps are really pretty weak.

I’ve taken engines apart with a broken center main cap and the engine was still running !

[Tim H]

Ok, and the caps with the #3412 cast on them are the regular,less desirable type.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Tim H

Ok, and the caps with the #3412 cast on them are the regular,less desirable type.

Those are the standard "grey iron" cap.

[FED 387]

Todd check yet PM Dick

[Greg Reimer 7376]

Seems to me that aftermarket steel main caps are available someplace for 4 bolt main 350's,must be better than the originals.Just trying to remember where I saw them.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Greg Reimer 7376

Seems to me that aftermarket steel main caps are available someplace for 4 bolt main 350's,must be better than the originals.Just trying to remember where I saw them.

They're everywhere, lots of aftermarket ones for sale.