Aluminum vs. Iron FE block longevity

[mdross1]

Originally Posted by RICK LAKE

Tirod I am not sure how much aluminum repairs you have done over the years but, I have repaired aluminum blocks with timeserts, not helicoils and to date of 12 years on heads and 7 years on block have no problems or failures to date. On other motors I have had failures of helicoils ripping out clunks of aluminum. It comes down to installing the correct repair application part to any aluminum part. Low torque applications of say valve covers you can get away with helicoils. High pressure area like maincap holes, head bolt holes any thing torqued over 40 ft pounds, IMO needs a timesert. I can only answer for GM, we have 5 different kits for repairing blocks,heads, oil pans, rocker arm bolts in the heads. Again to date have not had to do a repeat repair or replace with a new part IF the timesert is installed correctly. I believe that someone here said that this is all they use on aircraft for repairs.
As far as aluminum motors running hot, have learned that running a larger hole thermostat stops any overheating. This is after 20 minute seasons on the track at speed. I do do more maintainance than I should compared to an iron block motor. When you have small pockets and block cost $5,000.00 per unit and this was 12 years ago, I think you can see why. Rick L.

Bottom line is the correct repair procedure.done right they will be like new.