Wanted- Good 308 block & head

HughsHornet · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 6:53 pm Post subject: Re: Wanted- Good 308 block & head

Sean- Your post confirms something else I thought I remembered- that the 54 had the 7X block reliefs from the factory. I guess in some ways the 54 would be the best block to work with.

Clifford used to say that the 7X block reliefs not only helped breathing, but prevented the cracking that I have in my 1951 block (engine in my 53 is not the original). I guess there's just too much metal there between the water jacket and the combustion chamber that leads to the cracking on at least some of the 51-53 blocks.

Hugh

51hornet · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 7:07 pm Post subject: Re: Wanted- Good 308 block & head

Yes. The engine that is going into my 54 sedan is a 7X engine. I took a mold of the relief so I can grind that profile into the engine that is going into my 54 Hollywood. And yes it really makes a big difference to how smooth the power band is you get more top end and it really opens up when you stomp it. That combined with the right carburation and headers and you have a screamer.

Jimalberta

well its got the s/n on the drivers side, the block is relieved but I don't think there are valve seats in it other than what was ground into them. I'll have to check again.

indianracing · Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 8:29 am Post subject: Re: Wanted- Good 308 block & head

HughsHornet wrote:

Sean- Your post confirms something else I thought I remembered- that the 54 had the 7X block reliefs from the factory. I guess in some ways the 54 would be the best block to work with.

Clifford used to say that the 7X block reliefs not only helped breathing, but prevented the cracking that I have in my 1951 block (engine in my 53 is not the original). I guess there's just too much metal there between the water jacket and the combustion chamber that leads to the cracking on at least some of the 51-53 blocks.

Hugh

Hi Hugh,
I know this is an old post, but today I found this head on Ebay. Looks like an alloy mix, not sure if it`s for a 308, but ask Sean. Could be a good deal if no bids and it is not warped. Ebay item # 170373612909 Cheers, Art