How important is it?

[ChevyDave]

How important in it to have a 4 bolt main when building a big block?

[pat mccarthy]

in short ....it is not

[HOTRODPAINT]

I haven't built engines for years, but from what I've heard and read, it isn't necessary unless the engine was for something highly stressful, like high horsepower stickshift drag racing, or maybe blown fuel racing.

[Sinister]

From everything I've read, the main cap itself usually breaks before the bolts bust out of the block. I've also read that 2-bolt mains can take upwards of 500 horse.

[pat mccarthy]

i built many bbc like i said over 20 years building them it not a big deal and have them making alot more power then 500hp if you have a 4 bolt that nice but it just is not a must have