434nova
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Looking for a stage 2 block. Let me know what you have. Thanks
Wtb stage 2 block.
- Thread starter 434nova
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dsmith4994
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434nova
Active Member
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Man 5500 for just the block ? What are these things going for ? I figured 2000 - 3000 for one on the high side , for 4000 I could get a ta block. Thanks for the help.
Yeah, that is a bit rediculous. I think it's been there a while and will be there a lot longer. It's been linked here before.
If your looking for a perfect block, you'll be waiting a long time and will pay a pretty penny $3-4k for a virgin on or off center. If your ok with a used block that may have a sleeve, you can get a better deal. $1500 to 2500 for something used, but nice and may or may not have a sleeve. You can find welded or large bore blocks for ~$1000. Better deals than these are out there, but you have to keep your eyes open and jump quick when they come up. You'll come across more on-center blocks than off, generally, they are cheaper and the consensus from researching here are that they are stronger. I'm running a used busch in-center block that has one sleeve and I found it on ebay. If you have to buy rods and an intake, you might as well go on-center if you find a good deal on a block.
Be weary of 3.8 stage blocks as some have issues with cracking. Do your research here for what is good and bad, there is 10 years of good info if you search.
If your looking for a perfect block, you'll be waiting a long time and will pay a pretty penny $3-4k for a virgin on or off center. If your ok with a used block that may have a sleeve, you can get a better deal. $1500 to 2500 for something used, but nice and may or may not have a sleeve. You can find welded or large bore blocks for ~$1000. Better deals than these are out there, but you have to keep your eyes open and jump quick when they come up. You'll come across more on-center blocks than off, generally, they are cheaper and the consensus from researching here are that they are stronger. I'm running a used busch in-center block that has one sleeve and I found it on ebay. If you have to buy rods and an intake, you might as well go on-center if you find a good deal on a block.
Be weary of 3.8 stage blocks as some have issues with cracking. Do your research here for what is good and bad, there is 10 years of good info if you search.
Where do they crack at? I seen this posted hear before but have never ran across it myself,
Between freeze plugs. Read this thread. http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/threads/please-help-block-cracked.350055/
Nice read but the only conclusion I came to after it was Neal had a really bad time with his. I have had/done about ten 3,8 stage engines and never had this problem. That is why when I read statements like that make it seem like an everyday problem it bothers me.
forcefed3.8's
Buckeye Bullet
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- May 26, 2002
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Thats how it goes. A small percentage of people have problems, and it is a serious. Never a mention of the majority that have no issues. I presented this issue to Red Armstrong who has a 3.8 stage 2 in his car, and had a 3.8 stage 1 in Jane's car, when I was going to build a 3.8 stage 1. He said he never heard of this issue. The 3.8 stage 1 block I had had been used, and was super clean, no cracks or issues. I only sold it because I ended up with a 4.1 block.
Very true statement above. Now for some humor, I am about 90 percent sure the stage 1 you reference above is now in my hand and is going in a very unique project when done.
Your all welcome to start a thread with your successes with 3.8 blocks and dispell the rumors. I think that would be great. Until then, we can only go of what we read here and there is little here positive about them. For 90% of us, we cant't drive down the road and talk to an engine shop about this stuff and tb.com is our only resource.
I said some have issues and the the guy should do his research. If I had listened to others about isses with BMS cranks cracking, I wouldn't have wasted $900. Just hoping to save someone else some some trouble.
I said some have issues and the the guy should do his research. If I had listened to others about isses with BMS cranks cracking, I wouldn't have wasted $900. Just hoping to save someone else some some trouble.
- Joined
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Kip, I would be glad to send you a Stage I block with weld repair and new cracks in the valley from a rear lifter bore!
We had another Stage I block repaired at the freeze plugs, seen others welded at the main webs.
As far as a BMS crank, I also have a crank snout that broke at the no.1/no. 2 rod journal at 3000 RPM on break-in?
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- May 26, 2001
- Messages
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A buddy of mine bought a new 3.8 stage 1 block from Duttweiler in 94. He never used the block and later traded it to Harper Racing for some other parts. Harper Racing built a motor using the block and the block cracked soon after being built. There certainly could have been some issues with the build or with the tuning that caused the engine's early demise but usually even when things gone wrong or are done wrong it's not the block that gives up first.
Send me the pick up tag, as the shipping is on you,
No need, I thought you wanted to send it to me so I could let you know what went wrong with it. If it is true junk, scrap it.
434nova
Active Member
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So I have a question my 109 block has billet mains, how much hp would you say the block is good for?
Quick list of a few 3.8 stage blocks that have got the job done:
Red Armstrong Limited
Red Armstrong GN
Rafael Vasquez from here on the boar, signature says 800+ RWHP
Jim Dalessandro 7 second race car
Tom Lorek was running 9s winning Buick vs Mustang shootouts back in the early 90s
Red Armstrong Limited
Red Armstrong GN
Rafael Vasquez from here on the boar, signature says 800+ RWHP
Jim Dalessandro 7 second race car
Tom Lorek was running 9s winning Buick vs Mustang shootouts back in the early 90s
If all is well with it and filled with good parts and a good tune. High 9s should not be a problem at full weight. I like to talk times more that HP as have seen many dynos read way different.
750H.P.V6
Brutal 6 Racing
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2001
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I know of several others that suffered a similar fate. Jeff Rand had a 3.8 liter Stage I block that I originally bought new from Jason Cramer that cracked in the lifter valley and wasn't repairable, and I know Manual Bogozian busted one up too as I saw it up for sale recently with a 12" long weld repair on the side. You're more than welcome to any 3.8 Stage I or II blocks I come across. If any turn up I'll let you know.
Neal
