Which year 420a block is better for use when building an upgraded engine? 95 or 96? I have both years available and ready to rebuild when the finances are available, and I know there is a difference in the bearing's between the two years. So I was wondering if there is a "better year" between the two. If there is a detriment from using the 95 block? Or is it an advantage because of it's year specific bearing specifications?

Any info would be greatly appreciated as I am trying to decide which block to rebuild. Both are in similar condition one has bad rings and 170k miles on it, the other just has bad valve seals and 130k on it. I am planning on doing the 2.2L stroker kit and boring it .040 over so I'm not concerned with cylinder wear.

thanks in advance.

-Kevin

Just pick one. I'd go with the 96 so I didn't have to fuck with the bearings. I've had both in my car, both rebuilt, so I can tell you it doesn't matter.

Thanks Brian. I wasn't sure if it made any difference, but you make a good point about doing the 96 so I'll most likely go with that.

-Kevin

Take the head off each -pull the pistons out of each. Examine both cranks. You can choose to reuse or grind either of the cranks.

For choosing which block to rebuild, there would be no reason to go with one over the other unless there are visible cracks in the block deck webbing or if one of the cranks was in better condition than the other.

If it were me, I would use the block with the best looking rod and main journals. Look at the bearings when you pull off the pistons -it can tell you if the bearings were on their way out. Some copper color is okay, but material missing from the bearings is not. Also bad, is raised cracks in the crank journal or bearing material stuck to it.

As a note, the '95 model block has the main bearing tabs on the same side, which meant that service people wouldn't be able to easily see if they put the bearings in backwards if they weren't replacing them. 96-99 has opposite tabs.

The best block to use is the 1995 block, because you don't have to modify the block to use to upper bearing shells to get full grove mains to make a better oil system, and that is something you are going to want to make sure you protect that stroker crank.

The lightest block to use, if your conserned about weight is the 00-02 block. Chrysler removed the bosses for the crank case vents that were only used on a 95 SOHC blocks. This made those blocks 4 pounds lighter, but you have to have the block notched for the better bearings.

Originally posted by AFX_Manufacturing
The best block to use is the 1995 block

Because YOU WANT the 360* grooved mains. it's a design flaw correction that any performance-oriented motor should have.

Originally posted by DarkOne

Originally posted by AFX_Manufacturing The best block to use is the 1995 block

Because YOU WANT the 360* grooved mains. it's a design flaw correction that any performance-oriented motor should have.

Yeap

Ok the 95 block it is then gentlemen. Thank you so very much for your input.

-Kevin