Engine blocks and GM plant closings

[TCEd]

Anyone given any thought to a scenario where GM stops building big block engines i.e. 502's ? Guessing the only application is big trucks, motorhomes and Mercury Marine.
ed

 

[TxHawk]

Already here. One of GM's main remanufacturer's cannot get 502 blocks right now. You can still by them from GM Performance, but I imagine that you are buying what's left of their inventory.

 

[Ratickle]

My long term guess is Merlind and Dart blocks will be it. But you never know. I can see, as smart as these morons are, semi's with V6's to get better mileage....

 

[MERPerformance]

I really don't depend on GM for my BBC blocks and heads, you have Dart, World and other aftermarket producers. Whats going to suffer is Pro Stock and other racing bodies that require a GM part #

 

[TCEd]

So who provides to the manufacturers ? Remember besides the performance manufacturers Searay, Tiara, Crusader engines and many other use big blocks.
ed

 

[RedDog382]

GM engine blocks have been poured at the GM foundary in Defiance, Ohio for as long as I can remember. Most of the city has been employed there including several close friends and relatives. They had in recent years re-tooled and developed a line to pour aluminum blocks. Most of those I know have retired or passed away. Haven't heard what's happening out there now ...

 

[Wrinkleface]

Not sure but thought some big blocks R made in Tonawanda(SP), New York????? sound right???

 

[Steve Miklos]

Not sure but thought some big blocks R made in Tonawanda(SP), New York????? sound right???

502 was Mexico under Obama and a 31 year old not sure what they will do.
Steve

 

[T2x]

My long term guess is Merlind and Dart blocks will be it. But you never know. I can see, as smart as these morons are, semi's with V6's to get better mileage....

Semi's haven't used gasoline engines in 50 years.......... It's all big diesel power Cummins, Detroit, Volvo and Cat(temporarily).

The big gas blocks are used in a few straight trucks and big pickups, but even in those markets the diesel is rapidly becoming the dominant player. Why play around with a gas guzzling v-8 or v-10 with limited life and lower torque, when you can power up to a live forever diesel?

The sad fact is that the big block is becoming obsolete........

The Diesel revolution might be the next big thing........

Give credit to Fabio Buzzi for predicting this back in the 80's...........

T2x

 

[Chris]

If you've priced a Bowtie lately, their absence from the marketplace won't be felt one iota.

 

[Tempest38]

Oh good news. And I'm in need of a tall deck 4.500 blcok to replace one of my blocks.

 

[davemyjr1]

Any non current GM block/long block has been produced in mexico for years. Basically anything they do not use automotively gets produced there.

 

[TCEd]

So what does Mercruiser, Crusader and others buy from GM for their marinized products, Complete engines or long blocks or short blocks ? I know the internals get some changes but what do they start with ?
ed

 

[fund razor]

Oh good news. And I'm in need of a tall deck 4.500 blcok to replace one of my blocks.

$1,850.00 brand new Dart tall deck 4.500 bore from Cobra Power.
Free shipping.

http://cobrapower.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5_6&products_id=1

 

[fund razor]

For the record, I am building GM big blocks right now. There aren't any GM parts on them.

 

[TCEd]

I guess I titled this thread incorrectly. I was wondering where the manufacturers would get complete or partial engines for production not just blocks or aftermarker stuff.
ed

 

[Tempest38]

Thanks but those are all short decks. Dammit dammit dammit.

 

[fund razor]

Thanks but those are all short decks. Dammit dammit dammit.

Sorry. Thought there was a tall one in there. I would call them and ask.

 

[davemyjr1]

Im not sure what mercruiser does, but Crusader not change anything in the long block. They simply "marinize" a car engine. In the case of the current EFI systems they install there manifolds, both intake and exhaust and there control platform which is made by Econtrols out of TX. Merc also uses a standard automotive engine and marinizes it except for in the case of the larger horse power super charged stuff I believe.

 

[boostbros]

T2 is right about fabio buzzy racing 4 seatec diesels But the huge black cloud following the boat made it look like one of those super stock tractor pullers although they can clean them up by running straight alky fuel