What is the best series of 24v blocks. I am starting a new build and am going ground up. What should I look for..

 

Well, the rumor is that the "Mexican" blocks cast by Teksid are a little tougher than the "Tupy" Brazilian blocks that are identified by the "5x" series: 52, 53, 54, 55, etc.

Real world, I think anything other than a 53 block would be just fine. I suspect there's enough variance from one sample to another that a sonic check would matter a whole lot more than anything stamped on the block or what country it was poured in.

Mopar big blocks also have some rumors associated with them, like you shouldn't use a 1976-1978 big block for performance. Truth is, these blocks are often tougher and have thicker walls than many of the coveted "muscle car" blocks shipped with 6-pak cars and so on.

The point is that a sonic check is the only way to know for sure.

Justin

 

I think I remember reading something about the STORM block that said it was pretty tough.

 

55 is strong

 

Always read that 01 and 02 Mexican blocks are the strongest. They'll have a series of small #'s cast into the block. Dissimilar from the large cast 2 digit blocks in the 50 series.

 

Here is a good link with info about block put together by DTR member Stamey.

http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm

 

Good link-- and thank to Stamey for compiling that.

Looks like my late-build 2002 has the "bad boy"-- a late production Mexican block.

To bad it has an HO pump that will never challenge it's strength

 

why don't you run a common rail block? They are stronger than any 12 or 24 valve block.