I was chatting with one of my buddies at work and he mentioned one of his friends had a 302 block (i think out of a 70) that he just had laying around. He said that this guy could probably part with it for free and this would help me in starting my 347 stroker project (giddy!).

I was wondering what I should be looking for in this block (cracks, warps etc) and if their is anyway to do a small simple test on it before taking it. I dont wanna take it just to clean it up and find out it a junky block or god forbid build it up and crack the damn block driving it. I'm looking to be putting about 400-500hp out of the engine by the time im done, probably a 10.5 : 1 compression ratio and no S/C or turbos. thanks guys

 

A machine shop should be able to test it for cracks, they basically use a magnet and fine metal shavings. The metal shavings will attract to the crack. At least I believe they can do that to blocks, that is how they tested my heads for cracks... its called magnaflux I believe.

 

Take it to a local machine shop and they can mag it to tell if there are any cracks.

 

Just like heads can be magnafluxed for cracks so can the block, take it to a machine shop as the last 2 posts suggested.

Rick

 

As suggested, take it to a COMPETENT auto machine shop. A COMPETENT shop will vat it, measure the bores, sonic test it for adequate cylinder wall thickness and will know exactly where to inspect it for cracks.

The block is the foundation of your motor. Make sure you start out right, especially since you will be taking this block to its limits. Proper inspection and measurement is key to having the foundation you need. Believe me, you DO NOT want to put all the money and time required for such an engine into a block that is less than stellar. The machine shop can quickly and relatively cheaply tell you if the block is up to the task. You're getting the block for free, it will be WELL worth the money spent for cleaning and inspection.

 

amen to that, if the block fails the whole engine is useless

 

thanks guys. ya i knew their was a name or a way they tested it but couldnt remeber the name of it. actually have been watching a couple magnafluxing videos. doesnt seem too difficult lol. gonna leave that one to a pro though

I was wondering though if their is any visual inspections or tests I could do when I get there however so I dont have to even pick it up and spend a $100 on magnafluxing if it is bad. I know I need to check the spaces between the bore and the water jackets...any other specific places I could/should check?

 

You won't be able to see small cracks until the block is vatted and cleaned up. Just look it over to make sure there isn't anything visible, like where a rod decided to make a hole. Odds are pretty good that there will be no visible problems.