Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Cracked block

[BPonci]

I seem to have some great luck lately. About 4 weeks ago i noticed a coolant leak at the rear of my engine at the firewall area. After further inspection i found that my block had split down the rear beside the head stud bore to the freeze plug area. I have talked to quite a few people and nobody has heard of a crack in this area. I guess maybe i could see it if i had 14mm studs (thinner wall) but i am at a loss on this one. Has anybody ever heard of a crack in this area? The good side to the story is i now have a fully built PDR long block awaiting to be installed when i get some time. Oo. Oo.

 

[Reb.B]

I've only heard of that once. A buddy in Indiana told his customer to only torque the studs to 120, well he thought that if 120 was good 180 would be better, supposedly broke the back corner of the block. What boost and torque are you running? I try to keep mine below 80 psi with stage III head, 13. 5 compression, firerings, 14mm studs and 150 torque. Only have 20,000 miles on this engine, no cracks yet.