Nickel in blocks???

[hogdaddy]

Here's some good (debatable) reading on that subject

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com...ain-caps.1014/

[I think the 400 SBC 4 bolt blocks have a bad reputation that's probably not fully deserved , the rumor is that the web area of the block is weaker and the outer bolts further weaken the block, but I think its more a case of the extra bolts don,t significantly add to the block rigidity .
the 350 and 400 SBC OEM production blocks were designed to handle 350-400hp max,and when pushed well past that stress level its just logical that they occasionally fail.
if a two bolt block fails the normal response seems to be that
'we should have installed the angled aftermarket main caps'
if a four bolt block fails the normal response seems to be that
'we should have installed the angled aftermarket main caps, because the damn four bolt blocks weaker'
the truth is that by the time your making 500hp neither block with stock main caps keeps the main caps from moving under full loads and adding the splayed main caps while helpful is not a cure, its a band-aid at best, the aftermarket DART block has much thicker castings in the block web area and better and stronger alloys used.]