Engine Block: Description
The die cast aluminum engine block is a two-piece assembly, consisting of the cylinder block and ladder frame. The cylinder block is an open deck design with cast in place iron cylinder liners. The cast iron cylinder liners are recessed below the aluminum deck surface. There are five crankshaft main bearing caps (2) and an iron bearing beam (1) installed between the main bearing cap bolts and the three center main bearing caps adding rigidity to the cylinder block.
The ladder frame bolts to the cylinder block and does not incorporate the main bearing caps. This design offers a much stronger lower end and increased engine block and transmission rigidity. The ladder frame incorporates the engine oil filter mounting boss (1). The rear crankshaft oil seal is pressed-in-place at the cylinder block/ladder frame interface. The ladder frame and block are serviced as an assembly.
The bearing beam (1) is positioned over the three center main bearing caps. The main bearing cap bolts (2) at these locations are longer than the front and rear bearing caps.
The bearing beam (1) must be installed with the <FRT indication (2) pointing to the front of the engine.