Should I do 4-bolt main conversion?

[Sy Guy 0024]

4 months after lifting a head gasket on the Ty, and I've wiped a rod bearing. Damn sytys. :tdown: Anyway, while the engine is at the machine shop, I was considering converting to 4-bolt caps. I found a few threads from searching, but I'm still not sure if it's overkill for my goals. I'm looking for eventual high 11's/low 12's, nothing too crazy, don't want to set new records, etc. But pulling the engine is getting old, and I want to make sure I don't have to do it again for a long time. On the other hand, money is an object, and I don't want to spend for something if I don't have to. Looks to be about $275 for caps and studs, plus labor...

Any advice on this? Is this mod more typical for high boost/rpm motors, or should I consider it for my application?

 

[ghettosled]

Re: Should I do 4-bolt main conversion?

All you should need is ARP hardware.. 2 Bolt Main Studs or Bolts..

The 4 bolt mains couldnt hurt but you'll be spending closer to $700+ by the time you do the caps, studs, splayed drilling, line bore and line hone.

The reason you are blowing head gaskets and destroying rod bearings has nothing to do with your main caps, its because you are detonating the engine.

 

[turbodig]

Re: Should I do 4-bolt main conversion?

x2. Well-bolted 2 bolt mains will hold fine.

I'd spend the $$ on taking the truck to someone to get a decent tune, so the problems don't recur. The head gasket likely got water in the oil, which took out your bearings.

Lotta people throwing $1000s at motors, and blowing them up over and over. A $400 tune would have fixed the problem permanently.

 

[Sy Guy 0024]

Re: Should I do 4-bolt main conversion?

Whoa, hold on guys. I'm not a noob here, I've got a Nolan bin in the truck and never beat it without running DM. Give me a little credit. I'm pretty sure the head gasket was courtesy of the prior owner- I could tell it had been seeping for a while from all the built-up goo. Not sure about the rod, it started making noise during part-throttle cruise several months after I replaced the head gaskets. So I guess I can't blame someone else for that one. But I'm not dense enough to beat on it without DM running to check knock.

Anyway, thanks. That's exactly what I needed to know.

While we're on this subject, what about Eagles? Should I go that route?