Need BBC Short Block ('89 454)

[flargin]

So my guess is the block is toast; Heads look good.

Where do I go for a new short block?

#5 Cylinder... OOps..

Details: '89 (gen iv) 7.4 (not HO) on a Bravo 1. Never re-built.


Should I buy a unit off the web, pay the core charge or Buy a local 'used' block and have some one local build it up?


Suggestions on good sources online?

How about machine shops in the Denver Area?

 

[mkast]

Re: Need BBC Short Block ('89 454)

Are you doing the work?

 

[flargin]

Re: Need BBC Short Block ('89 454)

My thought was to do the engine install but let someone machine and build the short block (or just buy one pre-built). I would put the engine back together and test and tune and install.


Time is really my limiting factor... my "Honey Do" list grows and the time to find the used block, and pull all the pieces together are in conflict...

 

[mkast]

Re: Need BBC Short Block ('89 454)

Break out the wallet.
Have someone build the engine.
Cross your fingers!

 

[gcboat]

Re: Need BBC Short Block ('89 454)

Here's a starting point. Bought my motor from them - good guys
http://www.michiganmotorz.com/Marin...4&osCAdminID=7a3d2367d580d62d24fb7d23b2edcc99

 

[Scorpion 210 LTD]

Re: Need BBC Short Block ('89 454)

I used these guys for my 350 Chevy, now 270 HP. http://marshallsmachine.com/ Cheap, fast and I have 200plus hours on it since the rebuild. IRC they have a 2 year warranty on a marine engine. My long block marine version was 1100.00

 

[flargin]

Re: Need BBC Short Block ('89 454)

I used these guys for my 350 Chevy, now 270 HP. http://marshallsmachine.com/ Cheap, fast and I have 200plus hours on it since the rebuild. IRC they have a 2 year warranty on a marine engine. My long block marine version was 1100.00

I called them, they seem like a good crew.

Thanks for the tip.

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: Need BBC Short Block ('89 454)

gotta ask how did it happen

 

[flargin]

Re: Need BBC Short Block ('89 454)

gotta ask how did it happen

Wish I could tell you.

I have a couple of theories (ok guesses), but absolutely no facts.

1. Connecting Rod and piston separated at the pin - punched through the wall.
2. waterjacket, at that point, lost water(blockage), got hot compression did it's damage, resulting friction from the hole pulled the piston from the rod.
3. Gremlins jumped in with dynamite.

Anyone with more knowledge then me have any ideas?

I believe the bent pushrod resulted when the loose piston was pushed up by the connecting rod, or held up by the hole in the side.

I may know more when I pull the oil pan and take a look from the bottom side.

I would like to know... I know it was not a blown impeller, as that is working; I doubt freeze damage as this was not the first time out..

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Need BBC Short Block ('89 454)

not sure where you're located, but if on the east coast, try Joey Griffin, Griffin Auto in Washington NC. he builds marine engines for a living, really knows his stuff and his guys do some of the very best machine work I've ever seen. He has a heck of a reputation for building bulletproof offshore engines and circle track engines, but isn't absurdly expensive and is down to earth if you tell him what you want. He's not exactly a dedicated conversationalist, but he'll damn sure build you a quality engine for a fair price. He'll know off the top what components to use, may have everything on hand and if you feel like it has a dyno in the shop. On top of that, after dealing with he and his crew, I'd do business with him on a handshake. No fancy website, no obvious business front, they sell trailers on the road and you wouldn't even know that there's everything from street rods, race cars, and usually some beautiful boats getting anything from paint to a pair of big Merc blue blower motors.. but the moment you walk into the first of a complex of several large buildings, the state of the art machine equipment and quality of work going into the engines they're working on that day speaks for itself.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Need BBC Short Block ('89 454)

not sure where you're located, but if on the east coast, try Joey Griffin, Griffin Auto in Washington NC. he builds marine engines for a living, really knows his stuff and his guys do some of the very best machine work I've ever seen. He has a heck of a reputation for building bulletproof offshore engines and circle track engines, but isn't above building more run of the mill stuff that someone like you or i can afford. Prices aren't absurdly expensive and Joey is a down to earth if you tell him what you want. He's not exactly a dedicated conversationalist, but he'll damn sure build you a quality engine for a fair price. He'll know off the top what components to use, may have everything on hand and if you feel like it has a dyno in the shop. On top of that, after dealing with he and his crew, I'd do business with him on a handshake. No fancy website, no obvious business front, they sell trailers on the road and you wouldn't even know that there's everything from street rods, race cars, and usually some beautiful boats getting anything from paint to a pair of custom built, Merc blue blower motors (1000+ hp)... but the moment you walk into the first of a complex of several large buildings, the state of the art machine equipment and quality of work going into the engines they're working on that day speaks for itself.