Last Ditch Idea to Make the Rubicon With Dana

Ok so I have 1964 buick 225 looks to be fresh machined from underneath, heads have not been off since I picked it up. It came with a Flex plate so I am thinking it was balanced this way. I have accumulated enough gaskets to tear it down and reassemble this ebgine. The problem I see is the way it was balanced. Would it be feasible to run the crank and pistons from dana in this block with the correct main bearings since I did have it turned down. If and this is big if they are overbored the same. Or could I just tear down the other block and freshen up the assembly lube and slap on my flywheel? I am grasping at straws.And i do not want to give up. As usual thanks in advance, I am desperate.
Jim Coleman

 

OK so you have a 225 that looks fresh but are unsure about the balance? Do you see any indication on the crank that is was in fact balanced? Normally a engine balancer is going to stamp numbers on one of the large counterweights to identify it. There may also be some holes drilled in the counter weights and even perhaps some welding inside a hole...............As far as the other components are concerned they should fit fine except as you mentioned as long as the bore remains the same to use your old "Dana" Bobweight............
If you have an engine balancer guy near you call him in the morning and ask him if he will weigh the assembly and spin it up...........couple of hours of work. Make sure you take your Flywheel and front dampner. Then you know for sure.

 

Well I think I will try a head from the other engine and new head gasket. This at least will identify if it is the block. If it is, well time to go through the other engine and freshen her up or find a good used block. if it cures it Rubicon here I come. A new plan and a new day. I think I can

 

Good luck Jim! I hope it works out so you can make the trip!

 

Good luck! I would have thrown in the towel for much less.

 

there must be a Starbucks close by ,Jim has been texting me pics and I was surprised he get so much done for an older man ........

 

if you balance it take the pressure plate too.

 

Pulled the head yesterday after work. When i went to remove the center head bolt at the back of the block. This is where the oil port from the head to the block just stops,well lets just say it was not torqued to spec the term loose comes to mind. SOOOO I am hoping that's all its was. I cleaned all the mating surfaces and reinstalled the head and triple checked the torque on all the bolts on this side. I will be removing rocker arm cover today and check the other head as well. If everything goes well the rest of the engine will be back together after work today, and the Black Atv will be curing tonite. And tomorrow will be the last test run for leaks. PLEASE PLEASE dont leak baby.

 

Fingers crossed that you got it fixed!

 

My fingers and my toes are crossed up for you Jim! I hope to meet you Sunday.

 

mine have been crossed for days .I think that's the problem Buddy .!

 

Done with that for now. a couple spots. But now I will need to actually paint the underside since the optional undercarriage oiling system is no longer going to be functioning as well as used to. And even change the oil regularly.