Pete
BANNED
To start off, I will answer your questions. Then I will deal with the thread hijackers.
1- Most blocks 1946 and after if they pass sonic test.
Original bore size doesn't matter. There have been
some odd cases along the line but were very few.
2- The risk of going on to 3/8 depends again on the sonic
test. The 49 and later blocks generally had more meat
around the cylinders so were more reliable with bigger
bores.
3- All blocks to be bored should be sonic tested and the
smallest number noted stamped in the water jacket
just below the deck of that cylinder for future
reference.
As for the thread hijackers, if your machinist wouldn't sleeve the block, did it occur to you to get a second opinion? A pin hole alone in definetely not a reason to scrap a block. Put a sleeve in it and get on with the project.
As for putting a thin wall sleeve in a cylinder with wall missing, that is a BIG no, no.
As for welding on a cylinder wall for any reason, NO.
As for suggested minimum cylinder wall thickness I go with .100.
Lastly, I ask all of those with advice on the subject, how many blocks have you bored, sleeved, decked, align bored etc etc in your lifetime??
If you have done as many as I have then you are as well qualified as I am to give advice.
