[melrose]

I just bought my '72 minus engine and trans. The vin shows the car cam with a 402. I would like to start keeping my eye out for a motor. Am I correct in looking for a 3999290 casting# block? Did any '290 blocks come 4 bolt or were they all two? Also can anyone tell me what to look for to buy the correct trans. i.e. casting #s on case? The car is a 4 spd not an auto.
Thanks
Chris

 

[dreis454]

yes you want a 290 block. heads are 3992292.
yep all 2 bolts

 

[Busted Knuckles]

As long as the originals are missing, why not go ahead and use a 454 block? You can build it as a 454 or 496 and have a lot more power. A 454 block looks just like a 396/402, go for the cubes or you're liable to regret it!

 

[melrose]

As long as the originals are missing, why not go ahead and use a 454 block? You can build it as a 454 or 496 and have a lot more power. A 454 block looks just like a 396/402, go for the cubes or you're liable to regret it!

I was debating the choice of originality:boringr HP . I think I am leaning towards HP. 454 blocks are probably cheaper anyhow???

 

[melrose]

Should I post the tranny question in the tranny forum?

 

[Johnny O]

If it's just a general tranny question, yes, probably better in that section. I would think a regular 454 block is a bit less than a 396, only because there are likely a lot less 396 blocks around. I hear guys here saying 454's are hard to find now, but I see a lot for sale around me (upstate ny) for a pretty good price. I have had two in the garage for a couple years now, and just picked up another one last weekend. Look for something out of a p/u or suburban, or maybe a motorhome...lots of them used 454's. And if you're going to have to rebuild it anyway, as Gary said, go for a 496...a stroker crank and rods are only a tad more than the stock size stuff, and it's a lot more fun when it's done!!