[BLK64SS]

I'm building a Big Block up now after doing small blocks for many years. This will be a Track Only engine. No street use at all.
I'm curious if anyone blocks off the open slots in the lifter valley floor, like the way the SB's are done by drilling and tapping the drain holes and installing 1/8" pipe. I was thinking " if " I were to do this, of drilling and tapping 4 .. 10-32( ??? ) holes for each one keeping in mind location of each hole and screw length is critical,and useing 1/8" flat stock or even some 13-14 gauge sheet metal. Can also add vent tubes to them if its needed. Whats the thoughts, opinions and experience if any with this.
Thanks,
Duane

 

[BillsCamino]

Not completely blocked off but Moroso (and others) sell a screen kit made especially for that application.
IMO, a great idea if running solid rollers.
I did it to mine.

 

[Umass]

why would this be a good idea I thought that you wanted as much oil as possible on solid roller cams because the lobes are not directly oiled. could blockinh these holes lessen cam lobe oiling and cause a cam failure.

 

[69LS1]

When your lifters send oil up to your rockers and springs... the oil drains down from the heads...it goes into the lifter valley and from the lifter valley back to the oil pan...via those slots...

Many people put screens over those slots in an attempt to contain any shrapnel if one were to break a rocker arm or lifter....

 

[phel69]

I just screen mine as stated above and J.B. Weld magnets in between the openings and in the heads near the oil drain back routes to catch any loose shrapnel. You don't want to block them off.

 

[BLK64SS]

Thanks for the replies, I knew about the screen kits. After looking at my block I realized why it isnt done ( atleast on wet sump systems ) The small block has a pair of drain holes in the front and rear of the block, the big block only has one pair in the front.
Thanks

 

[pcs0snq]

BLK64SS Here's an example, by way of a picture, of what has been suggested. One issue I never have solved, but have some ideas, is the epoxy will loosen if you use Methanol fuel, after a few years. It will not if on GAS fuel.

BBC lifter valley with magnets, screens and Gliptal paint