OK, now for the surprise. It's a small-block Chevy pinata!

Actually, while the block was in the machine shop I was trying to think how the heck am I going to mock up a frame for under the hood to hold this engine. I don't really want to buy an engine hoist for a handful of uses (we hope!). I don't really want to have my fresh block exposed to the garage elements (e.g., empty beer cases, stray cigarette butts, etc.).

I have seen the fibreglass blocks advertised in the racing magazines -- however that's $$ for using something once.

Instead, I had the idea of making a papier mache block with the oil pan and motor mounts attached. Basically all it took was a bucket of wallpaper paste, some newspaper strips, and the strongest, biggest garbage bag I could find to make me feel better about putting all that glue and paper on my fresh block. I ended up with contractor grade garbage bags.

It actually worked better than I thought, with no damage or negative effect on the block whatsoever. I painted it up with some primer and used my Sharpie to put a few lines on it for orientation. Used a few coats of spray Varethane to stiffen it up a bit more. It's pretty strong and should work well as long as no one sits on the damn thing.

Cost: Around $15 dollars.
Usefulness: Let's hope Priceless.

Here's some pics:

I'm now pricing out pistons and the remaining bottom end parts. Should be ordered later in August.