Iron ABlock casting letters-which are best and WHY>

I can't answer your fundamental question about the strengths of the different blocks but the "D" block is the last version and the cast letter D is in the v of the top of the cylinder block on the timing cover end. This is the block used on all the Lancia Stratos and later series Dino 246. Only thing I have heard about weakness on the Dino block is there is sometimes cracking on the crankshaft support webs but I think that must be fairly rare. The turbo Stratos put out over 500HP on that D block.

 

Interesting - this is the first I have heard of a "D" block.

Anyone care to post a photo of the "cast letter D . . . in the v of the top of the cylinder block on the timing cover end"?

 

RHD GTS March 1973 = C block

 

See the following two posts (and yes, the post links are different):

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/142224225-post8.html - post 8 in that thread; and

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/142224563-post9.html - post 9 in that thread

 

It would be worthwhile PM'ing the member named "Stratos" if he hasn't seen this thread.

 

There are no structural differences between the various flavours of Dino blocks each was simply destined to a different application hence the code letters, that's all.

 

Thanks that's a relief..

 

all the blocks are the same on Fiat dino and Ferrari dino only different numbers on them,
besides that the block is not strong in the middle maincaps they sometimes crack

 

under racing load? or everyday use?

 

Are the middle main caps prone to breaking and not the block itself?

 

on the block under middle caps ther block is weak, but there is a solution for that

 

and

It is kind of like pulling teeth to get an answer at times here, isn't?

SO, what is the solution?

 

you mean, as in ..
Q" do you know what the time is ?
A "yes"

 

I thought there was a slight difference on the bottom of the block, oil pickup? Could be wrong!

 

yes i think you need to pull many teeth to get the answer from someone here

 

tony
castings are the same but some small difference is on bottom, ask ron he tell you the small difference

 

for hard every day use, caps are not tight on the block they move, material rub from block to main cap make bearing failure

 

Thank you. Paranoia will set in now,,, will have to be a smoother driver.

 

connecting rod big end is not good, the bolts are too loose, and new original bolts can not be found, and the flywheel is loose on the crankshaft