There is a possibility that I may be able to get a Donovan 410 block. Second hand information is that the block is in good condition, but a rod and piston are trashed. The cylinder wall is ok. First question, is $1000 a decent price? Second, I know absolutely nothing about a Donovan 410 block. Would it be something I would want to put into my '69? I looked on www.donovanengineering.com, (http://www.donovanengineering.com,) but the details on that block aren't very clear to me. It does not use standard motor mounts? I haven't talked to the guy about it yet, but I wanted to get ya'lls opinions. Thanks.
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oh hell yes! the block alone is worth that all day. a 410 huh? a smallblock i'm assuming, and i'll bet its out of a sprint car?
though i'm very familliar with a donovan BBC, i havn't dealt with a SBC, but i'm sure its all the same as any smallblock is, therefore any parts will work. thats how the bigblock i work on is.
i've been looking for one of those for my next build actually, they are so light you can carry them around the shop. not to mention you have to really grenade an aluminum block to render it useless, i've seen blocks that have been windowed and repaired several times. plus you just re sleeve them if a cylinder is bad, however that can be pricey, and must be done by someone that knows how and has done it.
aluminum blocks have thier quirks and you will need to learn them, but they are easily usable on a street car.
if you can buy one for 1000$ that just needs a rod and piston, i hate you ;) . no j/k, but its definately worth it. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

That block is "dry sump only" which means you'll have to sink some $'s into a dry sump oiling package. Dry sump is not the best for street use but doable. Other than that it looks like a good deal -- that is a very expensive block.

Thanks guys. Hopefully, I'll talk to the guy today and get some more info...and maybe a block! :D
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Just my .02 - I wouldn't underestimate the dry sump issue. You might be money ahead acquiring a wet sump aluminum block.

Just noticed you live in Alaska. Don't forget about the extended warm-ups necessary with an aluminum block due to the tight clearances when cold.

I talked to the guy today. He already has another buyer on the line, but if he backs out, then I have a chance. He says that the block does have motor mounts and could very easily be set up for a wet sump. He did say that it needs two sleeves, but the "Hank the Crank" crank is in good shape. That's a good point, Neil, but I live in the tropical part of the state. :D Not quite as tropical as Tampa, but we don't get -30F very often. I wouldn't drive it in the winter time anyway. I moved up here from Bradenton 6 years ago, so I know what weather you guys have. graemlins/beers.gif

i wondered about the dry sump issue, the big block i deal with is a dry sump, but can also run as a wet sump, you just need to add the necessary hardware to convert it.
that is still a deal, the sleeves can be pricey to do, but the crank alone is probably worth close to the asking price, and the block would be a very trick addition to any street cruiser, hope you score it!