Main Caps
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
tell us more about your build plan.
I think the cross-bolts are over-kill for most builds. The ARP bolts are a nice touch. But again, maybe more than needed for a typical truck build.
How much HP and what red-line are you hoping for?
I think the cross-bolts are over-kill for most builds. The ARP bolts are a nice touch. But again, maybe more than needed for a typical truck build.
How much HP and what red-line are you hoping for?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Like Greg mentioned...it's all in what you are building. A plain rebuild with just mild HP increase will survive with stock caps.
If you plan on going over 6000 rpm and over 500 hp, then it would be a good upgrade. It is NOT a cheap operation to have done.
My 428CJ in my '69 is running a stock bottom end with no problems. BUT, my 428 in my race car has the full treatment. It actually polished the mating surfaces between the caps/block the first season. I then machined it for cross bolts and have had no issues anymore. High rpm/extended time will cause problems.
ARP bolts are a nice upgrade.
If you plan on going over 6000 rpm and over 500 hp, then it would be a good upgrade. It is NOT a cheap operation to have done.
My 428CJ in my '69 is running a stock bottom end with no problems. BUT, my 428 in my race car has the full treatment. It actually polished the mating surfaces between the caps/block the first season. I then machined it for cross bolts and have had no issues anymore. High rpm/extended time will cause problems.
ARP bolts are a nice upgrade.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
I'd say that' right on the edge. I'm running that cam. It's not so much of a high RPM screamer. But with a 390 stroke and the ported Edelbrocks, you could spin easily beyond 6000rpm. ANd, It's probably approaching the 500HP mark as well.
But, I'm not running ARP bolts or Cross-bolts. Mine is a 4.125" stroke, so it's not wanting to spin near as fast as your 390. Mine makes most of it's power before 5200rpm. But, I figure it's close to 450-500hp.
But, I'm not running ARP bolts or Cross-bolts. Mine is a 4.125" stroke, so it's not wanting to spin near as fast as your 390. Mine makes most of it's power before 5200rpm. But, I figure it's close to 450-500hp.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 8
From: Brea CA
I'd worry more about upgrading the rod bolts, they're the weakest link. We used to spin CJ's up to 7K and never had a problem with the mains but the rods... well... we lunched a couple blocks (hey, we were just kids). 
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
The Block is already drilled and threaded but the caps arent. Will the ARP Main Cap and Rod bolts be enough if not how much would getting the main caps ready for cross bolts cost. Thanks guys.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
I did my last block myself, except for line hone. I don't have that much equipment available to me.
My first block a few years back cost like $500 to install the caps. Might be a bit more. I had the caps already. That was machine work and line hone. Not real difficult, just time consuming.
My first block a few years back cost like $500 to install the caps. Might be a bit more. I had the caps already. That was machine work and line hone. Not real difficult, just time consuming.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 9
From: Sun River St. George
ARP main studs, cut the rear cap 3/16 so the stut nut does not interfere with the pan, line hone the crank journals and caps. Sounds like you plan to run this old hoss hard. Let us know how this comes out!
