[ERANJ]

If I recall correctly the original question was in reference to obtaining and preparing an aluminum block for a basically trouble free life in that; the amount of additional preparation in getting an aluminum block to that level took a significant amount of time, $ and more of a liability for the engine builder or locating one with a good core to start from. Also stated a cast iron block alleviated some of that risk.

With that being said, the question was around what is the allure from the customer's perspective based knowing this? For me it all boiled down to preference based on the Cobra build desired, i.e., $, reliability and the ease at which the car can be assembled. In my 35 years of working on cars, foreign or domestic nothing fits together better than OEM…don't care what anyone says.

If I were building an all-aluminum "hot rodded" Kirkham I would not go with a cast-iron block. I'll never quite understand the attraction but again personal opinion. A Kirkham or CSX following the originality theme, e.g. like a David Wagner build I would not utilize an aluminum block personally. Again, for other Cobra builds if cost isn't an issue would go with aluminum and some I would not. I would not however spend thousands of dollars to save 100 plus pounds or bragging rights. IMO depending on the build “theme” will determine what brings a higher value long-term so I would not say aluminum or cast-iron brings higher resale value as blanket statement.

Very true that comparable data speaks for itself but there are always other variables to consider. Then again there is no substitute for experienced passionate engine builder’s perspective.