I've got a 454 4 bolt block thats missing it's main caps, previous owner lost them. I know I can get replacement caps for $130 from gm but since this thingis already 60 over do you folks think it's not worth fixing? I was quoted $325 to align bore so I'm already up to $455, bores look good, but I'm thinking I could find a whole motor for under 500. Jim

Jim most machine shops have caps laying around from motors that have cracked or other carnage. If they charge you more than $50-$75 for the used caps and magnafluxing them to be sure they are usable,, find another machine shop. Their price of $325 to fit the caps seems a little high to me. If that doesn't include a set of good used main caps from a donor block,,, again I'd look for another machinist.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by Marv Davis:
Jim most machine shops have caps laying around from motors that have cracked or other carnage. If they charge you more than $50-$75 for the used caps and magnafluxing them to be sure they are usable,, find another machine shop. Their price of $325 to fit the caps seems a little high to me. If that doesn't include a set of good used main caps from a donor block,,, again I'd look for another machinist.</font>

A GM rear main caps are not even semi finished cap as the ones I have seen are just rough bored and the thrusts have to be cut and so does the rear seal area a ton of work. In most cases we buy the rear cap from Program Engineering as the thrust and the seal are cut in all I have to do is cut the seal ID and bore the bearing bore.

If I'm not mistaken .060 over isn't much at all on a big block. You could be able to go as much as .125 over.

Most any 454 can go .125 over, so .060 is very safe http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by 1978LT:
Most any 454 can go .125 over, so .060 is very safe http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif</font>

Correct, but only IF you have the block sonic checked to verify that it can handle that big of a bore.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by 73454:
Correct, but only IF you have the block sonic checked to verify that it can handle that big of a bore.</font>

I agree but I have read in my 454 build-up books that only certain 454s can be bored that far.