[sloboy89]

Some of you may remember my leaking block post, where I stemmed the flow of oil from my cracked block thanks to a creative solution from Bianchi (thread link below). It cut down the leak dramatically but didn't completely eliminate it, unfortunately.

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/spider-1966-up/177638-leaking-block.html

Now that the Dallas summer is approaching (and driving a car without A/C simply isn't done), I am considering pulling the engine, digging down, and replacing the block altogether. I have found a couple of candidate bare blocks and wanted a little help understanding the compatibility.

Specifically, I am looking at getting just the block itself and using my existing crank/rods/pistons (to the extent that they are still serviceable), timing-chain cover, and oil pan. Was there any year where the configuration was changed such that a replacement block would not work?

One block offered by a board member has a S/N of "ARO 1500 *07267*". I've also spoken with Scott at DeNoya Trading Post, who said that they have a couple of blocks from 2.0L GTVs. Is there any way to know if these would be compatible?

Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

[65Sprint]

I would try to find a block from an early (probably 82-85) L-Jet Spider if at all possible and I "think" front covers and blocks need to be a matching set. By 1988, the oil dipstick tube and the drain back from the OVS were different from the early S3s. Blocks from Spica cars will require the block-off plate. Compatible? Yes, but not with out some challenges. You might re-post this in the engine rebuilding forum for a better/faster response.

 

[sloboy89]

Thanks, Rich. I didn't know that forum existed. I went over there and searched (as I did here) before asking the question. I found this thread, which had some very good information on the exact issue.

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/engine-rebuilding/67002-83-2l-block-interchangable-74-a.html

It looks from Darren's posts that the only compatibility issue would be with the cover for the SPICA mount. Would this cover plate be available from someone that sells supplies for a SPICA-to-carb conversions? Is this the plate that would be required:

 

[papajam]

No plate required if you use the timing cover from your original engine.

 

[65Sprint]

There you go, Jim just expanded your options substantially. Use your front cover and probably any 2L block through the mid-eighties. Someone (Jim?) can probably confirm this.

 

[datso]

youtube durafix or get a quote from a proffessional tig welder
Its worthwhile keeping the original block