85 model 140 block question

[Stevehardin87gn]

Hey guys....got a question.....I have an 87 GN that I wanted to rebuild the engine. Found a guy that told me he had and 87 GN engine tore apart and wanted to sell it. I thought it would b great to build that one and then I wouldn't b down very long. I got it and its not a 109, the last three #'s are 140, and it has 85 on the block. I checked the casting and its an 1985 hot air block. MY question is, are these blocks as good as the 109? Can it handle the same as the 109. Do I need to call this guy back and get my money back? PLEASE help.

 

[imjoesnuffy]

Hey guys....got a question.....I have an 87 GN that I wanted to rebuild the engine. Found a guy that told me he had and 87 GN engine tore apart and wanted to sell it. I thought it would b great to build that one and then I wouldn't b down very long. I got it and its not a 109, the last three #'s are 140, and it has 85 on the block. I checked the casting and its an 1985 hot air block. MY question is, are these blocks as good as the 109? Can it handle the same as the 109. Do I need to call this guy back and get my money back? PLEASE help.

Biggest differences between the 140 and 109: The lifter valley is weaker as it is a raw casting, and not finished.

The 140 block does not have a turbo oil drain drilled into it, but it can be drilled and tapped, that's what I had done.

The 140 block is a taller deck, so using 87 pistons will give you a little lower compression. This could affect spool up, but will allow you to run higher boost, truly a double edged sword.

Unless you plan on running a really big number, I wouldn't sweat it, if it is going to be too big of a headache to get your money back (shipping and tracking the guy down). I can certainly understand wanting to get what you paid for though.

I run a girdled 140 block, beat the snot out of it everytime I drive it and have run as fast as 10.40@132 with it. I have had it for 6 years now, other than head gasket changes, no issues.

 

[rwcarnut]

Biggest differences between the 140 and 109: The lifter valley is weaker as it is a raw casting, and not finished.

The 140 block does not have a turbo oil drain drilled into it, but it can be drilled and tapped, that's what I had done.

The 140 block is a taller deck, so using 87 pistons will give you a little lower compression. This could affect spool up, but will allow you to run higher boost, truly a double edged sword.

Unless you plan on running a really big number, I wouldn't sweat it, if it is going to be too big of a headache to get your money back (shipping and tracking the guy down). I can certainly understand wanting to get what you paid for though.

I run a girdled 140 block, beat the snot out of it everytime I drive it and have run as fast as 10.40@132 with it. I have had it for 6 years now, other than head gasket changes, no issues.

did you do any prep work to the lifter area?

 

[imjoesnuffy]

did you do any prep work to the lifter area?

I did not. If anything just remove casting flash from the area.

 

[Stevehardin87gn]

Thanks imjoesnuffy............appreciate the imput about the block....I am probably going to use it....hard to find another block that don't cost an arm and two legs.....I am a little concerned about the deck hight issue. Is it a big difference or are we talking 10 thousands or what? I am looking to run on the street so no big numbers. I would love to get about 500hp or may b a touch more. Girdle recommended? Thanks my gn brother.

 

[bison]

The pistons have the same compression height no matter what year they are. The taller deck blocks uses a single steel shim head gasket that is less than .020 compressed. The weak area is the main webbing and caps like the 109. Not the lifter valley.

 

[imjoesnuffy]

The pistons have the same compression height no matter what year they are. The taller deck blocks uses a single steel shim head gasket that is less than .020 compressed. The weak area is the main webbing and caps like the 109. Not the lifter valley.

Agreed. I was pointing out the difference between the 140 and 109 block. The mains would let go before the lifter valley failed.