Engine Block main webbing - the stronger years - ?

milnersXcoupe

would the web casting of an early 70s be better than a later year ? looking at a Turbo engine build - have a 33k mile 1978 360 cylinder wall strength is of 'interest' - as is main webs. outside of 401 castings - are there 'better years' for block castings over others ? :-|

tufcj

I think the webbing was stronger thru the 70s, then the blocks were lightened in the 80s. 360 heads on a 304 won't gain much in a normally aspirated engine. It might be different with a turbo. The valves end up so close to the cylinder walls that sometimes notching of the cylinder wall above the ring area is needed. Then the valves are so shrouded by the walls that flow is reduced. Most just go to a larger valve in the 304 heads (somewhere in the 1.9?" range). Bob tufcj