After some recent findings, my block will likely need top-hat liners in it.
I am in Virginia/U.S.A
I can get a complete Turner block shipped for around $2500
Or, I can buy top-hat liners and have them installed.
The machining process is pretty straight forward, but finding somewhere reputable and experienced to install them is another story.
My Dad could do it, but doesn't have access to the machinery to do it.
I have seen used top-hat blocks here in the past sell for $800-$1200
I don't have the money to spend just yet, and am still unsure of how much more I want to spend in this thing right now.
I also don't want to cut any corners, as so far everything has been fixed correctly. I want to keep it that way, so it's dependable, and if I do sell or trade it, I do so with a clean concience and give the buyer a good vehicle. As it's whole history since I've had it is on here to view.
I don't want to buy a block without top-hats now either, as it will or could have the same problem.
If you were in this position, what would you do?
What do you guys think the best, most cost effective way to fix this would be?
Are there any well known U.S shops that install top-hats? and that I could ship my block to? (shipping both ways can't be outrageous as the block is under 80lbs, at least vs the cost of a Turner block).
Suggestions??
Thanks for any help.
As of right now, I'm looking at a Turner block, ARP head studs, all engine gaskets, and a $420 windsheild to get this thing back on the road!
So if I can save money on getting my block repaired correctly, it would really help.
Maybe someone has a top-hatted block for sale cheap, lol.

 

A couple of good options in the US are D&D Fabrication in Michigan or Q&E Engine & Machine in California.

 

Thank you
I will check them out

 

Q&E is $1500 for 8 top-hats
D&D doesn't have prices listed.
I would expect them to have similiar prices.
I will also have to pay shipping both ways for either, plus new cam bearings and freeze plugs.
By the time I do that I can spend another hundred bucks and get a new Turner block with a 3 year warranty, that already has new cam bearings and freeze plugs in it, and comes to my door, hassle free.
But thank you for the information, it answers the question I really had; is a new Turner block worth it vs fixing my block? Worth it is anyone's argument, but at least it seems to be the most cost effective fix. Yay.
Thanks again for the help.

 

 

 

I was kinda thinkin the same thing

 

 

Well, if I go that route, I definately will.
My problem now would be finding someone local that could install them.
Thanks!

 

Because that's gonna be roughly $4k, plus an LS engine, and custom exhaust..
So likely a $6k swap
Vs, about $3k for a shipped Turner block with all gaskets.
Double the money in this thing, as much as I would like to.