14093638 Chevrolet engine block

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hbps1978
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14093638 Chevrolet engine block

Post by hbps1978 »

I have a 1989 four bolt main journal Chevrolet truck 350 engine block casting number 14093638. I need advice from one (or multiple) of our resident expert engine machinists/builders here on how much in general do you think I can take off the deck of this block? I bought an Eagle balanced crank rod and piston combo for this block. I just had the block bored and honed with a torque plate .030" oversize to match the Mahle pistons and rings that came with the Eagle kit. I just checked deck height clearance and the pistons are .035" in the hole. I'd really like to be within .005" of zero deck height. Is this going to be achievable with this block? Block wasn't cracked in the lifter galley, checked out good. I had planned to use this to build a 425 hp 355 for a naturally aspirated street engine. The motor is going in a weekend driver/cruiser to go to car shows etc. with a 4 speed automatic and 3.42 gear. :?: [-o<
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Re: 14093638 Chevrolet engine block

Post by Frankshaft »

You can cut .030 off no problem. Typically, those are 9.025 stock, and it's common to cut them to 9 inch. That is usually "zero deck with most shelf performance Pistons.
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Re: 14093638 Chevrolet engine block

Post by Baprace »

I wouldn't be afraid to cut .025 off that deck, it has enough material, if I was at home building that engine I would install the four corners and measure so you can square up the deck, also make sure you know what your gasket thickness is, I would use .040 total piston to cylinder head, that number gives you a little fudge room in case you make a slight error in measuring, I would not go any closer than .035 TOTAL. If by accident you end up with .045 +or- a couple of thou, you will still be OK to use, this is a street engine so you don't need to max everything.
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