Aluminum vs. Iron FE block longevity

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by lippy

I've read Siamese cylinders pose their own cooling problems as the coolant cant flow between the Siamesed cylinders. This apparently can lead to uneven cooling and out of round cylinders in extreme cases. Based on the good info in this post and elsewhere, I am starting to lean toward an iron Pond 427/482.

I'm no genius, but there are probably at least a couple thousand aluminum Pond and Shelby blocks out there running now. I haven't read about any cooling problems, at least related to the alloy blocks. Aluminum should dissipate heat anyway. And the cost difference is a rounding error.

[REAL 1]

I agree with Patrick.

My '65 427SO is still running like a champ.

As far as performance...original 427s won SCCA A production from 1965 to 1972 if I recall. Not too shabby.

Unless your really really looking for a competitive edge I like the original iron. Harder to find now but in the end will be more valuable espeically a nice 427SO.