An engine block includes one or more cylinder bores wherein each cylinder bore is surrounded by a cylinder bore wall. The cylinder bore wall includes a liner stop mechanism to locate a liner in the cylinder bore. The cylinder bore includes a mid-portion that spans between an upper end and a lower end, wherein the liner stop mechanism can be located near the upper end, near the lower end, or the mid-portion. The engine block has an outer cylinder block wall that is exterior to the cylinder bore wall. The outer cylinder block wall includes a first rib positioned above the liner stop mechanism and a second rib positioned below the liner stop mechanism relative to a cylindrical axis of the cylinder bore. The first and second ribs straddle the liner stop mechanism to reduce rotation and buckling of the liner during operation of the engine.