Our 100% USA MADE girdle setups are just the ticket to add the ultimate in strength to the bottom end of your high horsepower big block Mopar. Absolutely recommended for builds over 600 horsepower. During engine operation, the power and twisting force of the engine can cause the main studs and caps to distort under load. Normally, the block is doing the best it can to hold all these forces together, however stock blocks were originally designed in the 1950's for engines making 300-400 horsepower, topps. Today's stroker engines with long armed cranks can make 600-800 horsepower without much trouble at all. All those increased crank strokes act like a longer prybar during operation, greatly increasing the available leverage, which in turn multiplies the internal loads the engine has to deal with by several times. Under these heavier loads, the main studs can act a little like a "flagpole or antenna in the wind." With nothing to hold them steady, they can sway back and forth and side to side, causing the main caps to move or distort under stress, or even "jump" slightly off the block (known as capwalk.) All this can lead to possible main cap and/or bearing damage or failure. In a worst case scenario, this flexing can even lead to the block cracking down the center. These girdles act similar to the way in which the guide wires on a flagpole or antenna would work. They anchor the outer or lower end of the main studs, and keep them in place under serious loads. They also help to generally tie together and strengthen the bottom end. By directly connecting the block's deep oil pan "skirt" to the blocks main cap & stud assembly, (which, in turn, is connected directly to the center of the block or the "core" of the engine) they help all components of the engine's bottom end to be linked together into one solid, interconnected assembly. This is a HUGE improvement over the factory's arrangement, where all the components of the bottom end (main caps & studs, oil pan rails, etc are all separate non connected components which protrude from center core of the engine block.
We make these from super strong 1/4" solid steel plate, (not 3/16" aluminum like some of the others we've found on the market.) We've found 1/4" to be thick enough to do a great job, but not so thick that it causes interference hassles with the oil pan to k-member clearance, etc. This setup includes all the hardware needed to install, including oil pan studs and bolts, assorted thicknesses of custom shim packs, main studs, nuts, hardened washers, etc. All the main studs, nuts and washers are custom made 190,000 PSI pieces sourced directly from ARP, so you know the quality is top notch. The girdle is clamped and held in place with double nuts (both on TOP and underneath, so there is no distortion or movement.) If your block has already been machined with studs, those studs can be replaced with the studs included with our girdle without a problem. If your block currently has bolts, it will need to be re-line honed because replacing bolts with studs will cause the main housing bores to distort slightly. Detailed installation instructions are included with this kit. It technically "can" be installed with the engine still in the car, but sure is a heck of a lot easier to do it with the engine flipped over on a stand. A great value and some of the best insurance you can buy! While our girdle setup does work great with factory main caps, if you want the absolute ultimate in strength, (short of an aftermarket block) use this with our aftermarket billet main caps!
