Let's talk engines...

[RAO-3]

Originally Posted by DonC

Had my engine built by Joe Lapine at Danbury Competition Engines, one of ERA's recommended engine builders. I knew I wanted a 428 since it was a good choice for the cost vs bragging rights controversies.
DonC

Hi DonC,

After speaking with Peter, I will also be going with one of Joe's engines. From what you have described, I'm looking for much the same type of engine. Thanks for your input!

Ray

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RAO-3

Hi DonC,

After speaking with Peter, I will also be going with one of Joe's engines. From what you have described, I'm looking for much the same type of engine. Thanks for your input!

Ray

Contact Joe earlier rather than later so he can be on the lookout for a quality 428 block. You want the extra webbing on the crank saddle. These blocks are no longer just lying around the junkyards -- he will find you one, but there is a certain element of "luck" involved and the sooner he knows you want one the better your chances are of finding it.

EDIT -- here are some shots showing you what I mean.

Normal crank saddle:


Extra webbing on the crank saddle:

[RAO-3]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Contact Joe earlier rather than later so he can be on the lookout for a quality 428 block. You want the extra webbing on the crank saddle. These blocks are no longer just lying around the junkyards -- he will find you one, but there is a certain element of "luck" involved and the sooner he knows you want one the better your chances are of finding it.

EDIT -- here are some shots showing you what I mean.

Normal crank saddle:


Extra webbing on the crank saddle:

Ahh, okay, now I know what I'm looking for!

Peter was going to call Joe either yesterday or today; I will give him a call tomorrow to be sure he looks for the extra webbing. I appreciate the tip and the pictures!

Ray

[RICK LAKE]

RAO-3 Ray if Joe doesn't have one I might know where to get one. This guy might want to build it also. He's in NJ. There might be away aroung that date stamp in the block. Check with Ponds block maker or Genises. I think one have a stamped block. It's worth the checking and gives you a bill you will need for registration. Rick L. Ps How was lunch????

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RICK LAKE

RAO-3 Ray if Joe doesn't have one I might know where to get one. This guy might want to build it also. He's in NJ. There might be away aroung that date stamp in the block. Check with Ponds block maker or Genises. I think one have a stamped block. It's worth the checking and gives you a bill you will need for registration. Rick L. Ps How was lunch????

Rick, you're not suggesting he try and pass a phony block-date stamp off on the Jersey Motor Vehicle guys are you?!? A brand new, shiny, all aluminum block dated 40+ years ago???? You don't think the inspector just might be a car guy?

[RAO-3]

I did speak briefly to Joe today and he does have a 428fe block with the reinforced webbing for me.

Is it normal for the engine builder to want 50% up front to do these engines? When I had my engine work done on my corvette, the builder didn't ask for anything until he was done.

Ray

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by RAO-3

I did speak briefly to Joe today and he does have a 428fe block with the reinforced webbing for me.

Is it normal for the engine builder to want 50% up front to do these engines? When I had my engine work done on my corvette, the builder didn't ask for anything until he was done.

Ray

In my experience, yes. The engine builder has to front a lot of parts purchases, labor and machine work. In my case, a CSX aluminum block was a big upfront cost.

[BossCER]

Originally Posted by RICK LAKE

RAO-3 There might be away aroung that date stamp in the block. Check with Ponds block maker or Genises. I think one have a stamped block. It's worth the checking and gives you a bill you will need for registration. l:

Pond is the mfg. that has a date code.
If the block is painted, I don't know that anyone (including an inspector) would be able to identify it as "non-Ford"