i remember reading somewhere in a past article in a magazine that on higher hp higher mileage 3.8's that there was block flexing or distortion on the bottom end and there was some sort of item brace like that could be bolted to the bottom end of the block to help stablize/ stiffen it up before the oil pan was put on.. is my memory going or can anyone help me out with photos and links.. also if this is a problem on high mileage rebuilds?
thanks
mike
It wasn't so much of a mileage issue as a horsepower issue. Many stock block cars going deep in the 10s use a girdle like this:
http://www.rjcracing.com/RJC_Buick_Products/RJC_Engine_Girdle/rjc_engine_girdle.html
now is this a big deal with the 4.3 turbos also? thanks for the help this has been bugging me for a while trying to find some info on it