Pond aluminum vs Shelby aluminum 427?

[CobraMike]

Hello All,

Just curious as to the technical diffrences between the two aluminum blocks and if there is a concensous regarding which is better, without money being a consideration.

Cheers,
Mike

[RodKnock]

The Pond is an exact duplicate of the 427 side-oiler down to the date stamp and the CSX block is not. The CSX block has cross-bolted mains on main caps 2, 3 and 4. The CSX block is approximately 15-20 lbs heavier and the claim is that it's good up to 1,500 HP and has a priority main oiling system.

To the best of my knowledge, there are no direct performance comparisons available to the consumer.

[CobraMike]

Hello,

Sounds like the Shelby has made changes to address documented issues with the original castings. Thanks for the post, 'sounds like' the Shelby block is preferred then?

Cheers,
Mike

[xracerbob]

Not for me. I preferred the look of the original block with the casting numbers in place, along with the weight and $$ savings. If you want to build a really big inch high HP motor, then the Shelby is probably a better choice. For under 650HP, I would take the Pond block.

[Excaliber]

Yup, Pond over Shelby.

[Chaplin]

Just as fyi, new shelby blocks also have the correct casting #s.

[RodKnock]

Technically speaking, Shelby over Pond.

Except for very few experts out there, there aren't too many people who can tell the difference between the two blocks once installed. If I remember correctly, the Pond block weighs 110 lbs and the CSX block weighs 125 lbs. So the weight savings is virtually negligible to most of us mortals.

I chose the CSX block because of the perceived added strength, better oiling, bigger potential for cubes (I've seen 527ci) and the dollar difference at the time I was buying was only $500 more for the CSX block.

You can't go wrong with either choice. Both are fantastic blocks.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Chaplin

Just as fyi, new shelby blocks also have the correct casting #s.

Do you know what numbered block that started with or when it started? Thanks.

Rodney

[Category 5]

Not to hijack the thread....but is it possible to set the Pond block up for dry sump?

jason

[CobraMike]

Hello All,

Thanks for the thoughts it's appreciated. The two cobra's I'm currently most interested in are both over 650 HP motors both of which had the Shelby block (ERA and a Kirkham). Considering it's hard to see the block in a Shelby, don't think I'd personally be concerned about the castings. Certainly seems there was room for improvement in the oiling system in the stock side oiler and virtually every high performance block out there has cross bolted mains, both positives in my book.

Plus if some one asks if it's a real shelby 427, you can say yes .

Cheers,
Mike

[Excaliber]

Plus if some one asks if it's a real shelby 427, you can say yes

Well a statement like could and has been debated, hotly, and will continue to be debated for years to come. I would not assume your answer is either definitive or correct.

[ENTDOC]

I do not think Shelby built 427's originally, so strictly speaking the Pond block would be more authentic(notice I did not say original) secondary to its original style design. If I had to pick one, I would go with the shelby.

[Chaplin]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Do you know what numbered block that started with or when it started? Thanks.

Rodney

Rodney-
I don't know exactly when they started it, but it was at least as early as March/April '07- If I remember correctly, I think I saw a block in the 750s that had it.

[Excaliber]

ENTDOC, is that a 427 you got under the hood? Why yes, yes it is, thanks for asking. Got it from a guy named Roush, by the way...

[ENTDOC]

an original Roush at that

[CobraMike]

Hello,

Was meant to be neither definitive or correct, but mildly funny . Technially anything short of a CSX car manufactured before 1968 (69 for 289s in Europe) is a replica. I've neven even given consideration to a continuation Shelby in my research for a replacement of my Contemporary. ERA is at a minimum it's equal and Kirkham is quite obviously much better, IMHO. No flames please!

Cheers,
Mike

Cheers,
Mike

[Excaliber]

Mike, well said, it was mildy funny.

,,,and the (de)beat goes on,,,

[427 S/O]

The CSX block dosen't have the original oiling system running down the side of the block. If a rod is thrown, it most likely will not fracture the oiling systen and be easily welded up. Although I do favor original, that was a good idea.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Chaplin

Rodney-
I don't know exactly when they started it, but it was at least as early as March/April '07- If I remember correctly, I think I saw a block in the 750s that had it.

I don't know why I'm happy or happier becuase of it, but my block is numbered much later than that. Thanks for the info, much appreciative.

Now that my engine is dropped into my car, I don't think I'll go looking for it.

Please don't start with the real versus original versus reproduction versus replica versus fake argument. You'll just get Evan upset

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by CobraMike

Technially anything short of a CSX car manufactured before 1968 (69 for 289s in Europe) is a replica. I've neven even given consideration to a continuation Shelby in my research for a replacement of my Contemporary.

It's good that all manufacturer's have their share of believers, because they all need thousands of dollars from us to keep them going.

In addition, the shelby block has deep seated head studs, securing at the base of the cylinders instead of at the deck surface for ?less cylinder distortion and better cylinder sealing.