Update: the block is GOLD

[Capri306]

Here's the date code of the block, and yes it is heavy as $hit compared to any modern block I've lifted. The rumors were true about these 68-72 blocks.

[Capri306]

...and here's my baby securely in her car seat:

[Capri306]

This is a valley shot. Not too much to see, but pretty impressive considering that the block was dipped and shot blasted TEN YEARS ago. Notice the 351W and FoMoCo cast into the valley. BTW, the valley is thicker on this block than on any 302 I've ever seen. Strange, but welcomed.

[Capri306]

Just for comparison, here's a shot of the 351W block next to an old 302 block. Nevermind the rust, but check out the deck height and main bore diameters!

[lx mike]

so what are your plans for it now. how big you gonna stroke it?

[Capri306]

Finding a reputable machine shop within modest driving distance is my first chore! I'll need someone to check the bore alignment, install cam bearings, pipe-tap the freeze plug holes, bore the cylinders out using torque plates, and finish them to some oddball spec I'll have to find. Ugh, the dream has turned ugly! Hehehehe...

I'll poke 'er to about 4.030, maybe less to have room for rebuilding later down the road. Stroking is undecided as of yet. She wants to be a 408, though.

[lx mike]

Your gonna need a new user name. Capri-408

[HonestAl]

Originally posted by Capri306
Finding a reputable machine shop within modest driving distance is my first chore! I'll need someone to check the bore alignment, install cam bearings, pipe-tap the freeze plug holes, bore the cylinders out using torque plates, and finish them to some oddball spec I'll have to find. Ugh, the dream has turned ugly! Hehehehe...

I'll poke 'er to about 4.030, maybe less to have room for rebuilding later down the road. Stroking is undecided as of yet. She wants to be a 408, though.

Why don't you look into a machine shop class at a Community College? You can save big bucks by doing the machine work yourself. It may not be available where you are but there is a class set up for people to machine/build their own engines at a school that I graduated from last year. One evening a week for about 3 mos. and you'll be ready to assemble it. The machine shop instructor even got me a deal on my pistons.....check it out!

[Capri306]

Well, just so happens there's a good, reputable shop in Toledo I found that can do all of the work for less than ever thought possible. Turns out the old guy who owns the place is a Ford nut!!! Cool as hell, and has been doing Windsor blocks for everything from drag cars to heavy trucks since they came out. I just have to get the rotating assembly first so he can "true up" the block without removing too much of the deck surface....so there is that downside. Mo' $$$...

I've spent enough time at community college!!! No seriously, I have my automotive engineering tech degree already and I know for a FACT that the machine shop there cannot do the work I need. Hells bells, they could BARELY make parts for the Formula SAE car that would fit! Besides, the automotive program has been cut badly; the only thing left is an engine dyno, chassis dyno, and some other assorted lab-type equipment. They used to have a full garage with lifts and all sorts of room for machines, but since the community college board of trustees is all-knowing and has all the loot, they decided to turn it into a computer lab.