Is this rb26 block useable for modest build?

[hixzoomy]

Hey Sau,

Long time lurker. I just wanted some opinions from the experienced guys to see if this block is still useable or if it's a boat anchor and I should try get my money back? My concern is this crack between the water jackets to the head bolt thread between cylinder 3 and 4 see picture attached. Little back story about it, I bought it as the start of a small build to put into my daily. Was told was running fine no issues the previous owner had just pulled it down to go forged bottom end lost motivation and was now selling if off, after I started to clean it up I found the crack. The target I'm aiming for would be between 375 - 450kw so not the biggest power output but as it's going into my daily ( probably in the year 2050 at this rate) I'd like to give it a chance at surviving for as long as possible. 

[GTSBoy]

I would say that that is the beginning of the end for that block. Is that the exhaust side?

[hixzoomy]

Yeah GTSBoy thats on the exhaust side

[GTSBoy]

As far as I know the spot that breaks most commonly is on the exhaust side, adjacent to #4 or between 4/5. So any unnecessary weakness on the exhaust side, even if it's not is the "usual" spot, can't be a good thing. And between 3 & 4 is not so far away from where the block likes to jump to pieces.

[hixzoomy]

Thanks for replying so quickly and sharing your knowledge. I had heard of the block issues between cylinder 3 and 4 splitting and the crack on the outside of the block from block twist after a healthy amount of power put through them but this is all new to me. When I spotted it I thought it might be a drama but was hoping it was more superficial so I could finish making the deck flat give it a hone and get down to ordering some parts, looks like I might have to start getting in touch with the seller to try get my cash back. 

[Dasmbo]

GTSBoy is spot on its only use is a boat anchor any money spent on it would be pure waste cut your losses before you start

[hixzoomy]

Thanks mate, I'm glad I decided to get some other opinions. Think it was more me just wanting to get on with it that was making me second guess if I could use it or not.  

[BrynDETT]

Mine has a crack from water gallery to headstud hole in-between 5&6... Sent it back together, been a year so far at 520kw and had no dramas yet .. I guess it all depends if you are prepared to do all that work to potentially do it all again 🤣

Edited March 11, 2023 by BrynDETT

[hixzoomy]

Thanks for the input BrynDETT, sorry for the slow reply I work away. So no negative affects as of yet that's interesting and a very decent power level.  Do you mind sharing you combo?