Late Model Blocks

[rallyvan]

We pulled apart the engine for my van to rebuild it only to find that it has 60 thou over pistons in already and some of the cylinders will need a rebore. A couple of mates have had trouble recently finding decent early model 308 blocks and I have been tossing around the idea of using a VN or latter block. Now the vans a replica so I am not to worried about matching engine numbers etc. We should be able to put the early model heads and intake manifold on the early bloke but the current bloke is a trimatic pattern block. There are a couple of solutions to the problem:

1/ Find another trimatic pattern 308 block

2/ Use a VN or latter block and have the block re doweled to match the Trimatic pattern

3/ Change the auto to a late model Turbo 700.


What has been peoples experience with re dowled blocks? I am semi keen on changing over to the latter model auto but I need to know if I can use a early model shifter with the late model box. Would appreciate peoples past experiences with any of the issues listed.

Anthony

[Valencia]

Buy complete vn vr commodore and just rape the drive line would be the cheapest option

[HK1837]

Use a TH350 or TH400. TH400 HQ-HZ shifter will operate a 4L60 no worries.

[Valencia]

Use a TH350 or TH400. TH400 HQ-HZ shifter will operate a 4L60 no worries.

He stiil needs an engine

[Big Rob]

Like Glacier said... Use a VN or later motor/box and have the benefit of overdrive.

[HK1837]

He stiil needs an engine

Already mentioned, looking at a TH pattern later block as an option.

[adam perth]

I have been hoarding 304 VJ prefix VL 4.9 litre motors for a while now. Last of the Aussie pattern v8 and HD conrods standard. And 10 to 15 years less service time ..so better chance of std bore or 20 thou bore. These seem to be cheaper than the reds too . I pay $250 - $350

[RAEME]

You can use a flat adapter plate from turbo to trimatic and vice versa. Then you space the touqe converter mounts to flex plate , shorten tailshaft by an inch and job done. Remember you will need new extractors and inlet manifold like harrop etc to have a carbi on your black block but it's an option.

[HK1837]

Don't use those spacers. Awful damn things. $275 in Sydney to redrill a block is a much better option.

[thatotherguy]

i have a VT prefix 308 what would that be from?