390 / 428 owners

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Just recently, someone was saying that 428 blocks, just blocks, were $1,800-$2,500.

CJ's are more, but are they that much more? If someone wants a 428, CJ/PI or not, they are still out there.

I think the CJs, in nice shape, can be had for a grand to $1,500. You do want that extra crank saddle webbing though.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I think the CJs, in nice shape, can be had for a grand to $1,500. You do want that extra crank saddle webbing though.

Well, if it were me, assuming the CJ block was $1,500 +/- and you get this Genesis iron block for $3,000 +/-, some luck would be involved obviously, then I would opt to start fresh with the Genesis for an extra $1,500 +/-.

But that's me.

[RodKnock]

Also, there's an unassembled, but completely machined 482 short block, using a Genesis iron block, asking $6,000 on the SF Bay Area Craigslist as well. Again, no affiliation.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/pts/1493573707.html

Deals, deals, deals.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Also, there's an unassembled, but completely machined 482 short block, using a Genesis iron block, asking $6,000 on the SF Bay Area Craigslist as well. Again, no affiliation.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/pts/1493573707.html

Deals, deals, deals.

Uhhh, refresh my memory. Didn't 767Jockey have a problemo or two with the Genesis iron block just recently?

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Uhhh, refresh my memory. Didn't 767Jockey have a problemo or two with the Genesis iron block just recently?

Yes, he did. However, I think Barry R successfully uses them almost exclusively in his builds. I think, but I'm not 100% sure.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Yes, he did. However, I think Barry R successfully uses them almost exclusively in his builds. I think, but I'm not 100% sure.

But at $1000 and $3000 I could buy three old blocks before I had to roll the dice on a new block. Plus the old blocks are nicely seasoned.

[RodKnock]

Personally, after driving a car with an aluminum block, I would opt for aluminum. With a CSX or Pond block, both tried and true, you wouldn't be rolling the dice. Though admittedly you would be spending $5K.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Personally, after driving a car with an aluminum block, I would opt for aluminum. With a CSX or Pond block, both tried and true, you wouldn't be rolling the dice. Though admittedly you would be spending $5K.

Barry is on record as prefering iron blocks. I stand with him.


See: Iron v. Aluminum

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Barry is on record as prefering iron blocks. I stand with him.


See: Iron v. Aluminum

Though Barry admits he's in the minority, when it comes to using iron blocks. I cannot argue with him, since he's a noted FE expert of high regard and I'm a dummy, but I would say that the modern aluminum blocks, using the CSX block for example, have been redesigned and have added material in all the right places. If I remember correctly, the CSX block is 20-25 lbs heavier than the Pond block.

There are a lot guys out there running "all aluminum" engines for many, many miles now, including Rokndad, who's probably put on nearly 10,000 miles on his CSX4758.

While there certainly can be exceptions, I'm a firm believer in modern is better, otherwise we all still could be using those brick/suitcase type cell phones of the late 1980's.

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

While there certainly can be exceptions, I'm a firm believer in modern is better, otherwise we all still could be using those brick/suitcase type cell phones of the late 1980's.

I go through 4 Blackberrys a year yet I had one Motorola brick for 4 years that could not be destroyed. Gimme iron...

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by elmariachi

I go through 4 Blackberrys a year yet I had one Motorola brick for 4 years that could not be destroyed. Gimme iron...

OK, how about replacing "brick/suitcase phone" with a "rotary dial phone"? Would that make my analogy better?

Eh, probably not. Someone would day the rotary phone was awesome and Hollywood would not have been been able to make the movie "Phone Booth" with Colin Farrell.

[PANAVIA]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Personally, after driving a car with an aluminum block, I would opt for aluminum. With a CSX or Pond block, both tried and true, you wouldn't be rolling the dice. Though admittedly you would be spending $5K.

Rod, those are still big Dice as things can go really wrong in AL land.

if there is no budget (AKA however much it costs, -it costs , then I woudl say AL is OK. -- if not iron is a good thing!

Steve

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by PANAVIA

Rod, those are still big Dice as things can go really wrong in AL land.

if there is no budget (AKA however much it costs, -it costs , then I woudl say AL is OK. -- if not iron is a good thing!

Steve

You're absolutely right Steve, but Rod is made of money. Unlike the rest of us that have to work for a living....

[PANAVIA]

I have a 390 GT longblock iron/iron -- and a 410 shortblock done and ready if you need.

Steve

[badrich]

I thought having a CSX number on my engine would be cool (whoop-dee-doo), but ~150 pounds less weight on the front end does make a significant difference in handling.

BTW, I have a *really* good deal on a 390FE, *almost* a complete engine (I think it came off a '69 Mustang) for *free*! The downside is the gouge in the cylinder where the wrist pin moved a little after its retainer disappeared. But if you have access to a machine shop [that a relative who owes you owns], it might be worth doing a cheap rebuild. If you live in the Bay Area, just come on over and you can haul it away. Rich

[RodKnock]

Oops, I forgot to add that there's a 390 GT engine on the NorCal Shelby website asking $3,000.

www.norcal-saac.org

[Ralphy]

When someone walks up to you, and will happen often. One of the first questions asked will be about the motor. It sure is easier saying 428. I know it's not like saying it's a 427 but it's the next best. Gotta love that low end torque!

[KevinW]

my thoughts exactly... I know they all look the same, but (as im not a politician) lying isnt in me....

.... this thread is slowly persuading me to spend the extra and step up to the extra cubes!!!!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by KevinW

my thoughts exactly... I know they all look the same, but (as im not a politician) lying isnt in me....

.... this thread is slowly persuading me to spend the extra and step up to the extra cubes!!!!

Kevin, excellent choice. There are a plethora of 428 blocks around, so it shouldn't be too hard to find the right one for your build. Best of luck.

[dcdoug]

Doesn't seem worth the risk of failing registration. Get the date code correct 428 block. If you need a source, my builder has a bunch of NOS 428 blocks and could build you a nice one.