arcangl357

My 22r threw a rod a few months back and punched a hole through the block in the process, shortly after I picked up a used block on ebay thinking that I can just swap the components over to it. I took it up to the machine shop last week to get it hot tanked, re decked, bored the rust out of the cylinders etc, but was just told today that apparently the main caps from the old block won't work with the new one. The original block was from an 87 pickup and the new one from an 86 if memory serves, my understanding was that the 85-95 blocks are essentially identical, so if that's the case, why wouldn't the caps work with the new block? I'd prefer not to have to buy a new short block since it's money I don't really have or want to spend at the moment. Is there any validity to what they told me, and if there is, is there anything I can do short of spending 600 to 1000 dollars on a new short block?

racersg

They told you right, partially. You can not change main caps from one block to another without align boring the mains in the block. I am not sure if the caps will work anyway. Toyota changed the deck height on some blocks. If the main caps are the same as far as physically fit the block, then you can have the block bored.
What is involved is a lot of machine work and measuring. It is not real cheap.
Did the block you bought not come with main caps? If it did not, can you contact the person you bought it from and see if they have the original main caps.
Hope this helps.

arcangl357

I contacted the guy I got them from and he said he didn't have them anymore. Should I try getting another set from a junkyard and seeing if they'll fit? I don't have a problem with getting them bored if need be as long as the engine runs. I'm leaving for the Navy in april so I'm on kind of a tight schedule and want to get the truck running again as soon as possible.

racersg

I would first contact your machine shop. Ask them what main caps you will need. Also ask them if they can align bore the block with changing out the main caps. If they are a reputable machine shop, they will be able to do it. It may cost you a hundred or so to get it done. If they can not do it, ask them if they know another shop that can. They should share that information with you.
I have done this to many chevy blocks. It is a pain but can be done.
Just make sure you get a set of main caps that will work on your block.
Good luck.
Ray

racersg

Good luck in the Navy. Be safe.

arcangl357

A hundred isn't bad, i'm picking the block and stuff up this monday (the shops a two hour drive from where I live, and I'll see if the caps will match up to it before I call around. Thanks for the help and well wishes.

tim a.

It would be cheaper to buy a used block from the pick a part then to line bore a different block.Usually thats a 2 or 3 hundred buck job not to mention deck height issues and cam chain probs.If you line bore it will raise crank height,the deck the block so its flat and then shave the head your cam chain will be a good bit shorter.It can be done but its not something I would want to do before getting a different block.