Ideal for street, ET bracket racing, and marine applications, World Products applied almost 15 years of Merlin knowledge to develop these blocks, offered bare or race-prepped. The race version features a thoroughly-washed block, plate-honed cylinders to the bore size, and installed cam bearings and freeze plugs. Merlin III blocks have reinforced bulkheads and main webs, thicker decks, 100% compatibility with Mark IV components, and indexed lifter bores for optimum reliabilty. Their quality is superior to OE parts, especially because each block is CNC-machined to
QS-9000 specs using only two fixturing operations (thus avoiding tolerance stacking common to factory blocks from assembly lines).
SPECIFICATIONS
Material: Cast ironDeck Height: 9.800" or 10.200"Deck Thickness: .600" minimumCam Bearings: Standard ChevyMain Bearings: Standard ChevyCamshaft Location: StockLifter Bores: IndexedBore: 4.240" or 4.490" (bare) and 4.250" or 4.500" (race)Maximum Recommended Bore: 4.625"Cylinder Wall Thickness: .250" @ 4.600" boreWater Jackets: Expanded for better coolingLubrication: Priority main oiling systemFiltration: Integral mount for spin-on filterOil Pan Rails: Solid stock width (can be clearanced for Strokers)Oil System Features:Stepped oilingDry sump systems can feed from front or rearOil drainback in valley lubricates distributor gearDrilled for dry sump valley scavenge linesExtra head bolt bosses in valley to accommodate special racing headsBlind holes drilled into valley for screenCrank Clearance: 4.375" for 9.800" deck or 4.750" for 10.200" deckMain Caps: 4-bolt nodular iron or splayed billet steelRear Main: 2-piece rear main sealFuel Pump Mount: OE mountStarter: OE mountMotor Mounts: Front and sideCylinder Head Holes: Blind tapped to prevent leaksWeight: Approximately 270 lbs