has anyone tried splayed caps and a main girdle combined? is it possible? it sounds strong in theory.... :confused:

Have you found a main stud girdle for a 2-bolt BBC? I've searched and not found one. Maybe they call them something else? Thought that might be an alternative to trying to find a 4-bolt BBC

If its a stock block with the oil gallery along the pan rail you probably should pass on the splayed caps.

Just out of curiosity, why do you say that about the stock blocks? I have my inner main caps splayed (but not the outermost ones). Not sure why the orig engine refurbish guy did it that way, but thats what he picked to do.. Then again, the engine was supposed to get a blower on it that I backed off on..

Matt

I've seen some blocks with splayed inner caps and no problems, but have been told by a few machinists that depending on the block, you could get into oil with the splayed caps, and was recommended to just install the straight bolts. I also noticed in our GM Performance parts book that in the write up about the oil gallery being moved enables the use of splayed caps without hitting oil as is possible with the Mark IV blocks.

i need to change my login name to keep from confusing everybody...i'm working on a 385 smallblock stroker.can i run splayed caps and a main girdle combined? i plan on 575 h.p. but an additional 200 horse shot of nitrous.i can't afford an aftermarket block.i have the 4-bolt conversion splayed billet caps but was wondering about installing a main girdle also to beef up my bottom end as much as possible. thanks for any info.

My personal opinion is if you are indeed going to be making almost 800HP I would be saving up for a real block :D

You might want to read this, it has some pretty good info regarding blocks & caps in general that Carl from CNC Blocks & I posted a while back

Block Post (http://www.chevelles.com/cgi-bin/forum/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=9;t=016286)

Awesome reading on the block post, Mike, Thank you.
Coincidently, I just pulled my 454 (2-bolt)out to start freshening for next year and noticed quite a bit of cap walk. Pretty much as was described on the post, snotty looking marks on the caps and block, almost looks like the welding arc that was mentioned. This motor makes 650-700 HP 12.5:1,turns about 7000 rpm plus 5 times a month it gets a 100-150 shot of NOS. The motor has been together 3 seasons now, and the first two years there was very very little signs of this, but last winter we stepped it up probably close to 100 HP and it is definetly made a difference on the caps and its time now to take care of it. I was curious how much the 2 bolt could handle, and planned on installing the caps this winter anyway, but now I have a real good reason to. :D

Thanks for putting me onto the post Wolfplace...very informative.i think rather than risk an exploding block i'll just step down to a 450-475 horse combo and run a 100 shot of juice.i plan on a 1/2 block fill with the splayed billet caps.still wondering though,is it possible to have splayed caps and a main girdle combined? :confused:

Originally posted by bowtie455:
Thanks for putting me onto the post Wolfplace...very informative.i think rather than risk an exploding block i'll just step down to a 450-475 horse combo and run a 100 shot of juice.i plan on a 1/2 block fill with the splayed billet caps.still wondering though,is it possible to have splayed caps and a main girdle combined? :confused: =

I assume you are talking about the type of girdle that is spaced off the mains.
I don't see why they wouldn't work with the splayed caps but I am not real convinced they do a hell of a lot.
Probably couldn't hurt but it is the caps movin around that is the biggest concern first & from there if you are making enough power to require a girdle tying the block together to keep it from spliting apart then I would look at upgrading the block.
No matter what you bolt to or on the block it is still the same basic piece & is only going to handle so much abuse.
Consider that almost all aftermarket blocks including the aluminum ones like Brodix & the BowTies do not have a girdle,,,
If it makes you sleep better at night as I said it isn't going to hurt anything but I personally think they are pretty much a waste of time & money in almost all applications ;)

Mike very nice job on this post. There are a few more sites this should be posted on. Again thanks Carl

Originally posted by CNC BLOCKS N/E:
Mike very nice job on this post. There are a few more sites this should be posted on. Again thanks Carl Thanks Carl,,
BTW, Chris Padgitt said to say Hi,, had good things to say about you graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Mike
Hopefully I can catch up with you at the Pri show this week I was suppose to leave wed. but we have a major Ice storm coming through here and may have to come there later. Chris is a smart man I new him when he was over to Lunati.

thanks for your help guys.you are a credit to your profession! graemlins/thumbsup.gif