ive found a 72 455 block with the "F" casting
is that actually possible? and if so, would it be worth spending 700 canadian?

 

I'm not sure how that translates into US dollars, but is it a good runner? I know availability will set the price, but for a rebuilder I would hope you could find one closer to the $350-400 mark. John

 

What exactly do you mean by "F" casting? That the casting number is 396021 F, as opposed to 396021 FA? And how did you determine that it's a 1972 block, from the VIN derivative? In any case, lots of 1972 455 castings were F castings so it's not particularly rare. It's also the same as every other 1968-1971 455 block. As for what it's worth, is this a bare block, short block, long block, or complete motor? In my opinion, a bare block that needs machine work is worth about $100 USD. I've recently bought complete short block cores for that kind of money. $700, even CDN, for a bare block is crazy.

 

Oops! I need another cup of coffee as I missed the point of this being just a block. Check out the link below, a 455 runner with aluminum intake and extra pair of C heads $300 on the Seattle/Tacoma Craigslist. If you have a vehicle that could haul it home it might be worth a road trip!

http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/pts/1128467774.html

If the advertizement is accurate I would consider this a good deal so if you have the ability to get it you might want to move on it quickly. John

 

by F casting i ment on the back of the block, where olds would put F,F0,F1....
this one just has a F

 

the casting on the front is 396021F, but on the rear there is an "F" and a 68
IMG00077.jpg

 

What year does the VIN derivative indicate the block is? In any case the "F" numbers do not indicate anything magical about the metallurgy of the block, contrary to belief.