Wet Seal Sleaves In 427?

[UK RUSS]

I have a 427 Side Oiler with a 2" crack in the #1 cylinder
The engine is completly stripped down & has 3 sleaves in it, one of which has the crack in it.
The problem is it has already been bored to 50 over , the sleaves that are in it are very thin , The pistons & rings are custom made & have no markings on them .
Another problem is that with such excessive boring there is no longer the lip in the block that a sleave would normally sit on thus creating a "wet seal" sleave.
I have been talking to a guy in Palmdale who says he can remove the old sleaves and sleave all 8 holes with a thicker ones so I can still use my pistons, and he guarantees all his work
What do you think about wet seals?
Sould I be concerened about having sleaves in all 8 holes?
Should I be looking for a new block?
What are the chances of finding a 427 short block?
and how much $$$???
Any comments are much Appreciated.
Thanks,
UK RUSS

[SCOBRAC]

Every alloy block made uses sleeves in all 8 holes. There are tons of 427 blocks out there. The trick is finding one without going more than .030". Cost is obviously a factor. Nice side oiler blocks are not inexpensive easily getting 1500-3500 pounds plus shipping.

If you can get a good machinist to do the work and have a block, I'd sleeve it. I've seen these blocks go out to 4.250" which will get you 454 cubic inches. It happens to be a very inexpensive piston to get.

[SCOBRAC]

Doh. just noticed you live in Socal. I think you can make the conversions. There are 2 or 3 shops in socal that have 427's in stock all the time. You're still in to 2500-5000 for a block.

[UK RUSS]

Michael, Thanks for the reply,
My block is already out to 4.280" !!!
The mec. I'm talking to says he can sleave it but he has not yet seen the block.
I have concerns about the wet seal sleaves and wonder if I would be better off looking for another.
Which way would you go??
Do you have a number or website of the shops you mentioned in my area?
Thanks again,
Russell.

[clayfoushee]

Russ,

I'm no expert by any means, but since acquiring my car with an SO, have been doing a considerable amount of reading. There probably are several schools of thought. However, one way to look at is that you have a lot of other expensive parts in that block, it's going to cost you money to sleeve and repair that block, and your peace of mind and enjoyment of the car is worth something.

I'd probably spring for a short block bored no more than .020-022 over. The thing you obviously want to look at is the difference between the cost of the block, the cost of getting the other one sleeved, and the possible cost consequences of having your block fail again.

Just a thought........

[UK RUSS]

Thanks for the thoughts Clay,
The sleaving should be about $100 a hole, plus time, gaskets, rings, etc.
You are right I don't fancy doing all the work again 6 months from now! - I just wanna DRIVE!!!!

Russ.

[RICK LAKE]

UK Russ Some motors come with 8 selves in them LS1 caddie motors. I have heard that you can but 8 selves in a block but it is not recommended due to the core moving around. A MILD 427 with low compression and cam maken 400 hp would live a long time as long a 6000 rpm is not hit often. What is the car FOR? Shows, racing, cruising, autocross. If you are going to beat on it, go with the after market Alum motor. and save that motor for if you sell the car. Is the motor high nickel? Call George at Gessford and see what he says. He's the top Engine builder and was just honored for this accomplishment. There are acouple of top FE builder in CA. Joe B. is another, I can't give you the number this way, sent a private E-mail if you want the number. my 2 cents. Rick Lake

[UK RUSS]

Thanks a lot, Rick.

You've got mail.

Russell.