Part identification help

Hey Guys,

We're putting in a Golen Stroker engine today and we came across a mystery part.

On the bottom of the engine, after the oil pan has been taken off, there's a long strap or bracket that runs the length of the engine which is about an inch wide. There are pairs of tabs sticking off on either side with holes in them for bolts to go through and into the girdles.

On the new engine, these bolts are already on there, and they have flat headds like any other bolts. They don't look in any way temprorary. On the old one, it was a bolt with a large nut on it and then more threads sticking out that had the strap thing, and then another nut. So, bolt, more threads, strap, nut.

The question is, what is this strap and do we need to move it onto the new one?

Thanks,
Tom

1987 body,
1996 4.0L HO auto
soon to be Golen 4.6L auto.

Okay, we've figured out it's called a main bearing cap brace. So question number two then, why would Golen send the engine with regular hex bolts on it so there's no way to use this brace? Do we take off their bolts and put on the studs so we can use the brace. Seems kind of weird. Suggestions?

Stroker cranks require the "girdle" to be notched in the area of the rod throws.Some here have machined the clearance others have used washers to space it away.
Probably find more info in the "performance" forum.

Hey guys, thanks for the info. From the Jeep stroker forum, three guys chimed in and provided more info (for anyone else who might benefit):

It wasn't to strenghen the main bearings. It was to help reduce NVH from the engine. Noise, Vibration, Harshness.

I say install it. But you will need to space it about 1/8" to clear the crank. Use hardened washers of the correct size. I had to use two on each "stud"

You'll need to replace the bolts with studs to use the brace. Add the spacer washers on top of the studs, just under the brace.
The lowered brace will likely cause the oil pan to not fully seat, so the pan will need to be massaged a little.

http://www.jeepstrokers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=30657&thanks=30657&to_id=3798#p30657

Talked with Chad Golen at Golen engines and he said DO NOT use the bracket if you have his engine. It will hit and you will have problems. It shouldn't need it, don't use it.

It will hit if you do not use spacers.