Small Block Chevy Question...

[Pointblank]

Can anyone tell me which is the better option and why?

4 bolt main with standard cap bolts

or

2 bolt main with a 3/8" girdle and ARP stud kit.

[stevieturbo]

I guess that would depend on the girdle.

If it was a 1 piece Girdle, that made up itself and the main caps, I'd say the girdle was better.


If it was a separate item that just bolted over the top....not so sure.

[Boosted LS1]

The best would be a girdle that ties the mains together and then bolts around the block using the sump pan bolts.

[Pointblank]

My problem being... I already have a 2 bolt main block 'in stock' which is a good one, and I don't really want to buy another block for the sake of it if I can stud and girdle the bottom end!

The girdle I'm looking at is a single billet sheet of steel that ties all five main caps together, supposedly eliminating 'cap walk' but does not tie to the pan holes.

[Boosted LS1]

Then they can all walk together but it's better then nothing. I'd go for a splayed 4 bolt arrangement instead if the girdle doesn't tie into the block. You may need to line bore though.

[Steve_D]

How much power are you looking for?

My SBC has two bolt mains with ARP studs and nothing else.

It pulled 508 BHP - 527 lbf/ft on an engine dyno four years ago and has 13,000 miles on it now.

Steve

[Pointblank]

I was looking at high 400's with 150 - 200 bhp of nitrous for 1/4 miles!

[Steve_D]

Pointblank said:

I was looking at high 400's with 150 - 200 bhp of nitrous for 1/4 miles!

In that case don't even think about the 2 bolt.

Steve

[Pointblank]

Steve_D said:

Pointblank said:

I was looking at high 400's with 150 - 200 bhp of nitrous for 1/4 miles!

In that case don't even think about the 2 bolt.

Steve

Doh! Suppose I will have to get some 4 bolt caps and stump up for a line bore then!