ZL1 block found

[427king]

Im fixing 2 right now, fixing these blocks isnt like fixing a broken ear on an intake. With all the welding there is warpage, porosity problems with the aluminum and a host of other issues.Ive even seen a zl1 where the entire cam jouranls and main webbing had to be built completely upo with weld and re machined... 3500.00 to 6500.00 is not out of line. Anyone can do the repair wrong,its doing it right that costs the extra money. And thats assuming it isnt a block thats non repairable. I just fixed a block that had to have part of a block digitially recreated, amazing to see te before and after pics..

[427freak]

Was it Taylor engines?

[Hotrodpaul]

Having done quite a bit of Aluminum welding, the entire Block must be preheated (600 deg F) or so before welding. Aluminum has a fairly high coeffecient of expansion so when the weld cools, it contracts, causing stress and warpage. Also, preheating allows better penetration of the weld due to less heat draw into the block. The Aluminum alloy will make a difference as well, cleanliness, etc. Welding on die cast parts is difficult because of the higher silicon content and general imputities in the Aluminum.

It can be done with the right steps.

Paul

[jbsides]

427Freak,

Yes, Taylor's. That's them. As it has been 10 years since I have been in there, I don't know if they are still in business. I used to work at the old Thunderbird plant up the street, and popped in there at lunchtime to see how it was coming. It took months, and there was a lot of effort, but I can't remember everything that was involved. There was a chunk of Al missing and the one resleeve for sure, but there was something else that causing the delay and added expense.

JB