aluminum blocks vs steel blocks

[wrench87]

is it worth spending an extra 1,000.00 to 1500.00 for an aluminum block for a street cobra or would it be better to run a steel block and use the difference towards the engine build?, basically what are the pro's and con's of each?.

[Three Peaks]

Depends on how much the "cool factor" matters to you. In a street car, you'll never see any real advantages to an aluminum block except for visual appeal to some people- mostly just car guys. The majority of people who look under your hood would never know the difference.
It certainly won't make a difference in power output. Spend the money on a great engine build and you'll be ahead of the game.

Which engine are you thinking about?

[RodKnock]

I think a 100 pounds equals a 1/10 of a second in 1/4 mile time.

I also think for $1,000-$1,500 the aluminum block is the way to go. When I was pricing SB Ford engines for my Tiger with Roush, they wanted an extra $3,000 over a Ford Sportsman 302 block.

[wrench87]

it would be for a fe build, if i go steel i would use the genesis block and if i go aluminum it would be the pond block. what is the going rate to finish machine these blocks?.

[ENTDOC]

I think the aluminum block is definitly worth that. The weight savings on the front of cobras is significant

[82ACAUTOCRAFT]

A cast iron block will always be stronger the aluminum, that's a given. Less expension as well.

[RICK LAKE]

82ACAUTOCRAFT You can't compare apples to bananas here. Iron block new or old style good for 1k horse power. Shelby block good for 2,000 HP, Ponds or Gen's Have been told 1,500 hp. The engineering of these blocks will make them 1/3 lighter, and twice as strong. All the extra ribbing and support in the Alum blocks puts them ahead of any iron block. For orginial motor look, even the new blocks have added support built in (IRON). Rick L. I have 2 Shelby motors and the expansion is no problem. Have plenty of room under the hood to breath. Might even go to a SOHC with one of my blocks.

[Manowar]

Rick's comments parallel our experience with well-designed aluminum castings. There are no negatives in daily use under big power with aluminum blocks.
Cost and usage should be the only determining factors.

[82ACAUTOCRAFT]

Rick I don't want to be rude but your power figures are a bit high. Shelby claims their block is good for 1500 HP (This would be an extreme case, a blown motor running on Nitro), Facts are, most street motors put out between 300 and 500hp when run on a proper dyno. I recently saw a guy bring a Cobra with a motor build by a well known engine builder who will remain nameless, the claim was 575HP, the motor dynoed at 375HP and that's not the only case.
Yes, modern aluminum blocks have been enhanced compared to originals but the material itself is much softer than iron no matter what. Threads strip easily etc.

[jdog]

I used a vintage iron block for the "Cool factor"! It's a little extra fun when you open the hood and can say "It's a original 66' 427 side oiler". People look at it like it's a 'time machine' back to the day. The vintage engine takes them one step further back.

The most common reaction is: "Wow!"

People like to see well maintained/restored old stuff.

I'm sure I could have built a very nice aluminum engine for what I paid for mine, but then I'd have a 'new' engine.

My motor sounds, smells, leaks, like a original. Kind'a like a trip in Peabody & Sherman's "Wayback Machine"!

I guess I'm just living in the past, but if I wasn't, I'd have a new Z06, wouldn't I?

jdog

[Jamo]

Originally Posted by 82ACAUTOCRAFT

Rick I don't want to be rude but your power figures are a bit high. Shelby claims their block is good for 1500 HP (This would be an extreme case, a blown motor running on Nitro), Facts are, most street motors put out between 300 and 500hp when run on a proper dyno. I recently saw a guy bring a Cobra with a motor build by a well known engine builder who will remain nameless, the claim was 575HP, the motor dynoed at 375HP and that's not the only case.
Yes, modern aluminum blocks have been enhanced compared to originals but the material itself is much softer than iron no matter what. Threads strip easily etc.

You know what gets me? Folks who use skimpy and outdated informational bases, and then profess to know WTF they are talking about. In your previous thread where you seemingly desired to be seen as asking the same question, you cited an early 60s Buick aluminum engine design as empirical evidence of whatever conclusion you wished to reach.

It gets old... Shhhhh.

Do yourself a real big favor...don't respond with a smartass or assinine response...I'm not in the mood.

Aluminum vs, Cast Iron Block

[Brent Mills]

For the person who registered and posted the way you did, please don't do it again. It's not needed.