I read that one could get cleveland 4 bolt main caps and put them to a 2 bolt main block (with machining to the block). Is that accurate, if so how much does an operation like that cost???

 

Unfortunately the 4 bolt caps have never been available seperately from the block,which means you would have to scavenge them from another motor. which in turn would necessitate magnafluxing the caps and align boring once the swap was made. but don't worry too much about it, the 2 bolt cap setup is very strong, unless you are running a supercharger or the daytona 500. Even Jack Rouch says there isn't any difference in strength.He recommends removing casting flash (de-burring) and suggests radiusing the number 2 and number 4 main bearing webs and saddles.Rouch Racing even offers main cap supports for either 2 or 4 bolt main caps for added bottom end strength. If you do find a set of 4 bolt caps, any 351 c will accept them by simply drilling and tapping the web to accept the outer 3/8-16 bolts

 

Every once in a while I see them for sale on ebay.But you don't really need them unless your building a monster. But it sure would be cool.

 

One little bit of information that you might find interesting is that the Aussie blocks cast here from about 79-82 all had 4 bolt mains, and none of them were rated at more than 200hp from the factory... makes you wonder why Ford Australia did this.

 

Thats not quite correct xyfalcon500, actually very few of the aussie Clevos had 4 bolt mains, ive only came across 3 out of around at least a dozen ive seen. I just wish i knew what models actually had them. My current XE ESP 351 has 4 bolt mains, but i think its just luck its not 2 bolt.
Just thought id add this, might save someone some disappointment if they brought an oz block that didnt have them.
cya

 

there is a company that makes 4 bolt caps. i forget the name, they make 4 bolt caps for the 400, caps 2/3/4.

 

There are some on Ebay right now.



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1817617693

 

Really? I didnt know that.... One thing I would ask is that are you sure the ones you looked at were aussie blocks? (ie, from 79+cars) and also not just old blocks that had been put into those cars? It seems strange that ford aus would start casting thick wall clevos in 79 and only machine some of them for 4 bolt mains.

 

I am sure of that xyfalcon, next time your at a wreckers just have a look at any xc-e V8,s they have. If u spot a 4bolt, grab it.
Just to make sure theyre aussie blocks, they dont have the hole on the back left side of block for the clutch in USA, and r painted black if from xd-e, blue from xc.
cya

 

ok, here is that name of the company

pro gram engineering

http://www.pro-gram.com/

 

I stand corrected, Thanks for the info.