Engine build of the redneck kind

**scorpio333** · 09-28-2009, 03:02 PM

I've had this 427FE block sitting around for a few months now, it's time to do something with it. It's brand new, still has some sand in it. The walls came out too thin so the whole batch we're going to get melting back down, I was able to grab one before that happened. My plan was to use it as a coffee table/end table base. I've got a plan for the base of it, but have been kicking ideas around for a way to mount the glass. I've seen them with connecting rods and pistons in a few variations. Some attach two rods together and slid one piston into the block, not bad. Others attach the rods directly to the block.

Now where can I find some scrap rods and pistons without dumping $1600 into a set?

**somethingclever** · 09-28-2009, 03:18 PM

Ok....I"ll bite.

Where did you get it?

I would imagine the company who was getting the block cast would've considered getting it re-sleeved, so what wall is too thin?

How much does one pay for an aluminum "scrap" block like that?

Why not mount the glass to the block as-is and stand it up on end for an end table?

**scorpio333** · 09-28-2009, 03:59 PM

Check out the right side of the right most cylinder in the 1st pic, you can see where it's thin.

This block was one of about 24 they did as a first run, none of these were destined for end users even if they were spot on. My gf's dad works in an aluminum foundry, they do a bunch of stuff for Trick Flow, Summit, custom shops, etc. It's not uncommon for them to do a couple iterations before getting right. Some of them

This one was free. We were hanging out and he's always showing me stuff they're working on, I mentioned they would make nice table bases. Next thing we were tossing it in the truck. I believe the others have been melted back down.

I've thought of using it upright to the side of the entertainment center and storing bottles in it.

**03SnakePlissken** · 09-28-2009, 04:19 PM

I'd throw a nice flat bottom oil pan on it and put some rubber door trim on the bottom peremiter of the flat pan to rest on the hardwood/carpet. Go looking for a set of cracked heads at your local machine shop. Hot tank them and spray them with base/clear PPG along with the block. Put a ebay victor intake on and I'll send you a 4150 that is cracked internally. Make it look like a real show car engine. That would amaze everyone you ever bring into your home!

**95riosnake** · 09-29-2009, 09:25 AM

We have a table at work made of a piece of glass sitting above an original hemi block, the glass is supported by pistons coming up out of the cylinders. I'll try to snap a pic of it with my phone at lunch so u can get an idea how it's set up

**Rodeheaver's** · 09-29-2009, 09:45 AM

that is super cool, would you consider selling it?

**95riosnake** · 09-29-2009, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Rodeheaver's

that is super cool, would you consider selling it?

You could have this coffee table and then make a night stand/end table out of that massive turbo you have in front of your desk at the shop lol

**95riosnake** · 09-29-2009, 03:23 PM

Here are a couple pics of our table:

**scorpio333** · 09-29-2009, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by 95riosnake

Here are a couple pics of our table:

That's pretty much what I had in mind, but finding some scrap pistons/rods hasn't worked out so far. I got a feeling it won't stop there, add the stuff 03SnakePlissken mentioned, a cam gear and chain. Didn't want to add heads or intake.

**SAC81** · 09-29-2009, 05:08 PM

That table is cool as hell!

**crusher101** · 09-29-2009, 08:41 PM

it would ****ing suck to have to move that for any reason lol...

**wick** · 09-29-2009, 09:39 PM

Whats that thing weigh? My wife just asked if you have any more. One we could get and what you would want for it.

**scorpio333** · 09-30-2009, 05:21 AM

I'm gonna guess it's about 75lbs. Next time I see her dad I'll ask if they still have any left sitting around. My guess is they melted them all down by now.

**wick** · 09-30-2009, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by scorpio333

I'm gonna guess it's about 75lbs. Next time I see her dad I'll ask if they still have any left sitting around. My guess is they melted them all down by now.

Gotcha. Let me know. Thanks.

**somethingclever** · 09-30-2009, 09:03 AM

I'd definately buy one too!

**03SnakePlissken** · 09-30-2009, 09:08 AM

Yea, if they didn't melt them, I have more than enough parts to slam a couple mailboxes together! Thats what I want, a big block complete to the upright headers with a mailbox on the carb instead of the filter.

**Rodeheaver's** · 09-30-2009, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by 03SnakePlissken

Yea, if they didn't melt them, I have more than enough parts to slam a couple mailboxes together! Thats what I want, a big block complete to the upright headers with a mailbox on the carb instead of the filter.

that would be sick for sure!!! my wife has stopped me numerous times trying to make the mailbox post out of a 429 crank i have laying at the house...

**03SnakePlissken** · 09-30-2009, 11:06 AM

I have 3 damaged Sonney Bryant 4.3" 460 billet cranks that are junk, I though of doing the same thing your talking about.... a $2000 mailbox post!

I have a junk SVO A-460 block and 2 junk standard 2 bolt 460 blocks. Hell, I have stacks of 4150 carbs, intakes, heads, accesories and brackets.... I can easily put together one bad to the bone mailbox!

I even have an old blower rotting away in the shop someplace. That would be a cool mailbox... blown with a set of upright headers!

**Rodeheaver's** · 09-30-2009, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by 03SnakePlissken

I have 3 damaged Sonney Bryant 4.3" 460 billet cranks that are junk, I though of doing the same thing your talking about.... a $2000 mailbox post!

I have a junk SVO A-460 block and 2 junk standard 2 bolt 460 blocks. Hell, I have stacks of 4150 carbs, intakes, heads, accesories and brackets.... I can easily put together one bad to the bone mailbox!

I even have an old blower rotting away in the shop someplace. That would be a cool mailbox... blown with a set of upright headers!

sounds like you better get that stuff out and we could throw something together!!!

I could use a cool mail box for the shop!!!