[lippy]

I'm planning an ERA 427 with a Pond aluminum 427 SO. Yes, the weight benefit is "only" 85# or so (the dynamic effect of that weight savings over the front wheels isn't trivial). But there is an additional benefit of using a new, strengthened block instead of an older FE. I know you can still find a good old block, and test it, but I have heard of several folks that have had problems. Also, a good quality old block gets to be very expensive. I just feel a bit better with a new Shelby or Pond.