Block Question
#1
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Nosebleed Country Colorado
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Block Question
Which would be the more desireable of the two blocks? a 55 block, or a block with just a 5 with some smaller #'s above it?? Both engines are in busses bound for the scrap yard, and I was given the oportunity to take one of them, I will be rebuilding one of these engines to replace the one in my truck (I have a cracked 53) I understand that the 53,54,55, blocks were all cast in Brazil, and the blocks that have a series of small numbers cast into the block were cast in Mexico, and I'm told the Mexican blocks are a little stronger. I've not heard of a block with just a 5 casting #
Can anybody shed any light onto this???
Can anybody shed any light onto this???
#3
1. Brazilian Blocks are cast by a company named "TUPY" and are marked such. They are identified with cast evolution numbers. #53's are TUPY's. #54 and later evolutions were improved to correct the block issues that the 53's had.
2. Mexican Blocks were made by "Teksid" these blocks to my knowledge never had a problem with cracking, as they are heavier duty by trait, but they did follow the evolutions and got thicker. These blocks do not have the 2 digit "cast number" embossed on the side, instead a series of numbers that are unidentifiable to me. The Mexican blocks were rumored to even be harder to machine do to a harder cast overall, basically better quality in my opinion.
Brazilian Tupys always seem to outnumber Mexican blocks during the ISB's production probably about 8 to 1. So basically if there is a pattern number its Brazilian, if there is a series of small numbers its Mexican.
By the way the Mexican equivalent of a 56 pattern was the Heaviest ISB block of all. This means if you have a 2002 without a #56 on it and instead it has a series of numbers that are smaller and hard to identify, you got the the big boy!!!
2. Mexican Blocks were made by "Teksid" these blocks to my knowledge never had a problem with cracking, as they are heavier duty by trait, but they did follow the evolutions and got thicker. These blocks do not have the 2 digit "cast number" embossed on the side, instead a series of numbers that are unidentifiable to me. The Mexican blocks were rumored to even be harder to machine do to a harder cast overall, basically better quality in my opinion.
Brazilian Tupys always seem to outnumber Mexican blocks during the ISB's production probably about 8 to 1. So basically if there is a pattern number its Brazilian, if there is a series of small numbers its Mexican.
By the way the Mexican equivalent of a 56 pattern was the Heaviest ISB block of all. This means if you have a 2002 without a #56 on it and instead it has a series of numbers that are smaller and hard to identify, you got the the big boy!!!
#5
yes it is actually. btw, not all 53 blocks were junk, only a small percentage of them were, less then 1%, out of the 4 trucks we have, 3 are 53 blocks including my 500 dyno proven rear wheel hp monster with 250k on it and none have cracked. with that said, i too would find a different block if possible, better be safe then sorry right??? if you dont mind sharing how much does the junbkyard want for the blocks??
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boosted (08-15-2008)
#6
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Nosebleed Country Colorado
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I'm getting this engine for free, belive it or not. I'm a fleet mechanic for a town fleet, and these two busses are bound for the scrapyard, since I need an engine, the boss's boss said I could have one for free!
I've found engines any where from 1K-3k bucks, look on Craigslist.com under auto parts, and do a search for "dodge cummins" I actually found a few great deals, like an engine, 5speed tranny, complete wiring harness, brake booster, turbo, VP44, all for $2500. the deal breaker was it was another 53 block. I know the failure rate for the 53 is very low, but it would be just my luck I put another 53 in my truck, and 6 months later it'd crack again!
I've found engines any where from 1K-3k bucks, look on Craigslist.com under auto parts, and do a search for "dodge cummins" I actually found a few great deals, like an engine, 5speed tranny, complete wiring harness, brake booster, turbo, VP44, all for $2500. the deal breaker was it was another 53 block. I know the failure rate for the 53 is very low, but it would be just my luck I put another 53 in my truck, and 6 months later it'd crack again!
#8
yes it is actually. btw, not all 53 blocks were junk, only a small percentage of them were, less then 1%, out of the 4 trucks we have, 3 are 53 blocks including my 500 dyno proven rear wheel hp monster with 250k on it and none have cracked. with that said, i too would find a different block if possible, better be safe then sorry right??? if you dont mind sharing how much does the junbkyard want for the blocks??
#9
yeah, from what cummins said in there press release a while back bout the blocks, only the 53 castings with a water jacket thinksness below .254 were cracking, most of there were early production blocks and less then 1 percent would crack. the way to check the thickness is to pull the freeze plug and use a digital diacaliper to gauge the thickness.