I'm assembling a 408 iron block that's going to be used with a blower and noticed that one of the main caps (front) has a hairline crack around where the side bolts would enter. My question is is there any way to repair this? I'm not sure if the main caps are powdered metal or iron, so if it can't be welded then I guess I'm screwed. Any suggestions? I know I could get the billet caps but if this is repairable then I'll just have my machine shop take care of it. Anyone know if they can just be replaced by another stock piece?

 

Jason, I hate to hear that bro. I hope the project is coming along good. I need to stop in sometime and check it out... I'm in Pevely alot.

TTYL- Jeremy

 

I would not repair this.

If the caps are steel you would need to weld and then stress relieve the piece.

If you are having the assembly machined there is no reason it cannot be replaced by another stock cap and then machined with the existing pieces.

 

they sell billet main caps. don't repair it you'll regret it later. After you get the new main caps you will need to have it line bored.

 

Billits are $400 or more I beleive...just get a stock replacement... or some of Don Kings hair gel.

 

That's what I decided on, thanks.

 

The Hair gel?

 

If you go with the stock cap be sure to get it installed by your machineshop and align hone the block,it"ll be fine!

 

I'm switching to studs so we plan on align honing it anyway.

Oh and the hair gel should give it some extra support.

 

Isn't it a "line hone", instead of "align hone"?

A line hone is used to straighten or true misaligned main bearing bores.

I kept getting confused when others would say they had their block "aligned" honed and when I looked it up in an Automotive Machinist's book and I couldn't find it, only line hone and it seems to fit the description.

Is this the same thing that others are referring to when they say "align" hone?