engine block

[David J.]

I just purchased my vette. The original engine was replaced but was able to get the engine. The engine is a 1966 427, 425 hp big block. There are several head bolt holes that have helicoil. The original owner indicated the block is soft and the reason it was replaced was because it dropped a valve. My inspection of the engine I find no damage to the pistons or cylinder walls. I am wondering if these helicoils will be a problem if I rebuild the engine? I have never heard of a soft block. Any information that any body might have would be helpful.The short block was the only part replaced. My thinking is that the heads were reused. The previous owner kept everything including paper work which we are still tring to find. Thank you in advance for your input.
David

[Clem Z.]

Re: engine block

heli coils are no problem. if it droped a valve a piston,cylinder wall or the head would have been damaged. i would get the block magnafluxed and or pressured tested just to make sure you do not spend money on a bad block.

[Jim T.]

Re: engine block

David there is a article Engine Rebuilding Decisions in The Corvette Restorer Spring 2004 issue by Bill Bradley that you may find helpful for your block repair.