Today I called and spoke with a engine buider
about turning my 502 into a 540 and how much
would it cost? He said he wouldn't do a gen vi with-out filling the block.Reason,gen vi
blocks can't with stand much over 650 hp and
lately a bunch of them have been blowing apart.Have you heard this?This builder I don't know.The other builder here in town gave me a price of $3,000 which seems pretty
good but he has done two engines for me in the past which I wasn't happy both times.I
know I'm at 600 hp now which the one builder says I'm pushing the limits right now.Do find
filling the block thing to be correct?I would
love to go with R.M but my budget right now
can;t stand it.Thanks for any input your willing to give.Thanks,Driver

DV,
The GMPP catalog says the block is good for 700 HP, and GM is usually kind of conservative but......you have to go with what the engine builder is comfortable with. It would be "iffy" in my opinion, unless it was filled.
The only other comment I have is that $3000 sounds AWFUL cheap to do a 540, even using your rods, which I would not do. I figure a decent crank is going to be $1200, rods $800 pistons another $600 .. Rings, bearings gaskets etc.... that does not leave much for any machine work and assembly.


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Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

1971 Heavy Chevy - original owner
Team Chevelle #100