aluminum small block

sportyworty · #1 (**permalink**) 09-28-2006, 08:25 PM

I heard Shelby American is now offering an all aluminum small block. Can anyone verify if this is true and if so where can some info be found? Thanks

LMH · #2 (**permalink**) 09-28-2006, 08:42 PM

Haven't heard about any from Shelby.
I do know Dart offers an aluminum small block. Cheapest I've found is about $3600 for the block.
Larry

Tim Brewer · #3 (**permalink**) 09-28-2006, 08:56 PM

They are in the Ford Racing performance parts catalog. They come in 302 and 351, wet or dry sump and in several deck heights. The catalog says they come from Raceparts Distribution Inc. @ (704) 892-8688.

sportyworty · #4 (**permalink**) 09-28-2006, 08:59 PM

Ford Motorsports offers a couple of variations also. How about a 1900lb 500 HP Cobra?

sportyworty · #5 (**permalink**) 09-28-2006, 09:00 PM

Tim I was typing as you posted thanks for the reply

LMH · #6 (**permalink**) 09-28-2006, 09:03 PM

In Dart blocks, aluminum saves about 100 pounds over cast iron.
Not sure that's worth the $1600 or so more than iron. Might be, just not sure.
Larry

LMH · #7 (**permalink**) 09-28-2006, 10:09 PM

Anybody know the price of the aluminum wet sump 351 block from Ford?
The website just says call for price.
Larry

Gr8 Scot · #8 (**permalink**) 09-28-2006, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMH

Anybody know the price of the aluminum wet sump 351 block from Ford?
The website just says call for price.
Larry

Larry,

I purchased one of the 302 aluminum small blocks thru Preston at RDI in August 2005. There was very little left from $4K. As I understand the current situation, the 302 block is no longer available, despite what the web site indicates. You could certainly call Preston to verify the availability and cost of the 351 block.

Best of luck.
Scott

Manowar · #9 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 04:56 PM

World Products has just announced today the pending release of our brand-new line of aluminum Man O'War, Windsor style blocks and two designs of aluminum heads.
Their release is scheduled for January '07. Ideal for GT40's and any Cobra or street rod, the blocks are over 100 pounds lighter than the bulletproof iron version and incorporate all their quality features, including the six-bolt per cylinder head attachment, dry sump capability and billet, splayed main caps. Of course, all conventional Windsor style heads can be mounted but the exciting alternative is our new 10 deg. 255cc runner head which is first to the market with six-bolt attachment.
The new blocks will be offered in the following displacements: 8.2 deck, 2.248 main- 302, 349 and 371. / 9.5 deck, 2.749 main - 351 and 427.
No pricing has been established yet.
All the details are on the World site Homepage.
See the link in my sig.

LMH · #10 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 05:16 PM

Cool! Thanks!
Larry

RACER X #99 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 05:44 PM

What's the chance these 6 bolt block and heads are gonna get an OK from Nascar as a replacement block and heads?
Finally something to put the Bowties on the trailer.

Anthony · #12 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RACER X #99

What's the chance these 6 bolt block and heads are gonna get an OK from Nascar as a replacement block and heads?
Finally something to put the Bowties on the trailer.

Does NASCAR allow alloy blocks?

Manowar · #13 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 06:40 PM

Anthony,
NASCAR does not permit alloy at this time, but I think Cranky was referring to our iron version of this block.
Crank,
Your lips to Gary Nelsons ears!
It seems at the current 850HP or so level that the teams do not suffer head lifting problems. There are also many very sharp head designs employed.
Our 6-bolt attach system would benefit the boost and spray crowd most effectively. We know our iron lives at the 2000HP level and we have spoken to customer who has broken one of ours at the 2800HP level on the fourth pass at 42PSI. (6.80's ET) We're trying to find the weak spot, but he implies that the failure may have come from another area and took the block with it.
It's FUBAR and difficult to diagnose.
I think it's the TOYOTAS we've got to worry about putting on the trailer...
Thanks to all for the kind words.

dynoroom · #14 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMH

Haven't heard about any from Shelby.
Larry

Keep listening

you might be surprised

LMH · #15 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 07:52 PM

So Michael, what do you know that we don't?

Larry

dynoroom · #16 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 08:44 PM

It's who you know.

quickjack · #17 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 07:23 AM

Anthony,
I'm pretty certain that NASCAR only permits manufacturer's part numbers, no aftermarket blocks or heads. GM has seen to that.
Regarding block selection, it is wise to talk to a reputable builder with lots of real world experience before deciding which one to buy. There are several who frequent this site and some even have their own forums here.
Jack

RACER X #99 · #18 (**permalink**) 10-06-2006, 08:01 AM

Anthony/Quickjack
I know Brodix has a Ford head that is Nascar approved. I guess it depends on how much of a "contribution"

you can make to Nascar (France family) on weather or not your parts are accepted.

sportyworty · #19 (**permalink**) 10-06-2006, 09:06 AM

I just returned from the Mapleton Cat factory where they are pouring Bill Davis blocks in Mopar configuration and also saw a Chev config block as well. It was an incredible tour to say the least. Part #'s were on the blocks.

quickjack · #20 (**permalink**) 10-06-2006, 09:06 AM

The NASCAR umbrella covers several sportsman type classes as well as the NEXTEL Cup circuit. The sportsman classes at some tracks may allow aftermarket heads (many require sealed factory crate engines), but the cup teams are not permitted to run aftermarket heads or blocks.