Engine Block Lightening and Machining

Improve your performance on the track.

Lighter

  • Current lightening program removed 78 pounds from a 7.6L John Deere block.

Precision Machining

  • In addition to lightening, we can do any other block machining you desire.  Most machining is done in a single set-up which allows very high accuracy.


Reliable

  • Our lightened blocks have been in Light Super Stock tractors for several seasons with no failures.

How will it help?

Lightening the block allows 78 more pounds on the front of the tractor.   In addition, access to lifters becomes simple and quick.  While we are lightning your block we can do high precision machining on the rest of the block.


Let's Talk

Lightening / Lifter Access

What blocks can you lighten, and where does that much weight come from?


So far we have only lightened 7.6L John Deere blocks.  If you would like a different model block lightened, please let us know.  We will develop the lightening for other brands/block models when demand is sufficient.  


The most recent blocks were lightened 78 pounds.  These blocks were designed to serve as the structural "frame" of the tractor.  In a component pulling tractor, the structural bracing isn't needed and can be removed without compromising the strength needed for the engine itself.


Extra bosses and other exteranal casting is removed, as well as the front two holes of the front engine mount and thinning the material in the injection pump mount area.


Will a block with this material removed survive high boost, high horsepower use?  Yes, lightened blocks have been in service in high boost Light Super Stock tractors for multiple seasons with no failures.


What else can be done so more weight can move?  We are about to install cross-bolted main caps for the first time.  Use of cross-bolted main caps will eliminate the need for a girdle and will reduce the assembled engine weight by an estimated 125 pounds.

Machining

What machining can you do?


We can machine anything on your block that you would like.  We machine the ends by standing the block on the table in our mill.  All other machining is done with the block attached to our precision rotary tables so surfaces and features are precisely located.


All machining uses the crankshaft bore and the centerline axis of the existing cylinder bores for reference.  


Common requests include:

  • Lightening / lifter access
  • Clearancing for pushrods
  • Bore and install lifter bushings
  • Pan rail surface / truing
  • Boring cylinders for sleeves
  • Surface deck
  • Drilling and tapping for cam retainer
  • Preparation for girdle
  • Install cross-bolted main caps

What are the logistics?

What is the process for getting this work done?

  • We tend to machine blocks in batches.
  • Contact us with your needs - one may be available, since we frequently process an extra block.
  • Send your block.  If it isn't already clean, we will have it cleaned and magnafluxed.
  • Your block will be machined with the next batch, then lifter bushings / sleeves installed and fit as requested.
  • We ship the completed block to you.

Other Products