New ERA Coming Not So Soon...

[patrickt]

And I think the QR Hub would be a harder, after the build, accessory to add, compared to something like a bigger fan, or the primary shielding and venting. Some guys take the approach of "if it's not a huge PITA to put it on later, then I'll just move it lower on the list today, but if it's a real bitc* to add later, or there is a significant stranded cost in doing so, then I'll move it up higher on the list for installation today." A perfect example of that is six pins versus five. Changing that over later is much more expensive than doing it up front. A top and side curtains, however, are going to cost pretty much the same whether you do it now or later. Of course, you should try to avoid significant stranded costs during your build as they are difficult to recoup. Here are a couple of pics of the QR hub.

[lippy]

I have the QR hub and it is nice. The signals work as well. I looked into doing it myself and it just wouldn't have been as clean, and the signals wouldn't have worked properly.

I love the look of the Billboards also, but you probably know that they aren't street legal (DOT). If you get into an accident it could be a problem. That is one of the reasons I went with the Avons.

[Gregg(What's his name)?]

The QR is a great option. I wish my current cobra had one. I added it my option list on 821.

[Bernica]

Well their stock is a whopping $0.08 today.....

[willtwallace]

Originally Posted by Bernica

Well their stock is a whopping $0.08 today.....

So the better investment would be to buy $20k in shares right now and wait.

BOT: Having it build from the ground up may be the best route either Pond or Shelby.

I am guessing even if Shelby does go offshore for casting, they will not pass that 50% savings in production cost onto the customer.

[willtwallace]

Craft Racing seems pretty reputable?

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by willtwallace

Craft Racing seems pretty reputable?

Yes - good ole boy Arkansans which is why they got my vote. Also would give a vote to Brent (Blykins).

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by DanEC

Yes - good ole boy Arkansans which is why they got my vote. Also would give a vote to Brent (Blykins).

With a recent change in ownership. Keith is no longer associated with the builds (which may be good, or bad, depending on your point of view), but the little that I've heard on the new owner has been positive.

[RodKnock]

If you were willing to give the Left Coast a chance, Tom Lucas of FE Specialties in Sacramento, CA built a few engines here on CC, including mine. He also built rodneym's twin Paxton FE engine as well as a SBF 302 for a tkb289's 289 ERA. We're all happy.

[willtwallace]

Okay, looking for some feedback or direction toward a thread that has discussed this topic, as I am sure this is not the first time its been asked.

Other than weight savings and cooling efficiency what are the benefits of an aluminum block over a Iron block or vice versa?

From my limited research I see, a slight leaning toward Iron?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by willtwallace

Okay, looking for some feedback or direction toward a thread that has discussed this topic, as I am sure this is not the first time its been asked.

Other than weight savings and cooling efficiency what are the benefits of an aluminum block over a Iron block or vice versa?

From my limited research I see, a slight leaning toward Iron?

I remembered this thread: Ford FE -- All you with aluminum blocks from when I was spec'ing out my engine in 2005 and exploring the aluminum versus iron thing. Note the names of the contributors and pay particular attention to the valve lash discussions. That's probably the most interesting aspect of the debate.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by willtwallace

Okay, looking for some feedback or direction toward a thread that has discussed this topic, as I am sure this is not the first time its been asked.

Other than weight savings and cooling efficiency what are the benefits of an aluminum block over a Iron block or vice versa?

From my limited research I see, a slight leaning toward Iron?

Sorry, but could you should be more specific about "iron block." Vintage or new iron blocks? New is new and old is, well, old.

The new iron blocks can be bored out to larger cubic inch displacement(s) than old iron blocks. And in theory, new production manufacturing technologies produce higher quality blocks. However, as you can see with Brent's comments about a shortage of blocks now, finding foundries to produce new blocks is difficult.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Sorry, but could you should be more specific about "iron block." Vintage or new iron blocks? New is new and old is, well, old.

The new iron blocks can be bored out to larger cubic inch displacement(s) than old iron blocks. And in theory, new production manufacturing technologies produce higher quality blocks. However, as you can see with Brent's comments about a shortage of blocks now, finding foundries to produce new blocks is difficult.

You know what they say, everything old is new again. You know -- When trumpets were mellow ... And every gal only had one fellow....

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

You know what they say, everything old is new again. You know -- When trumpets were mellow ... And every gal only had one fellow....

Sometimes I just have to shake my head in amazement of how you connect the dots inside that brain of yours.

I save everyone from having to google that nonsense. It's song lyrics by Peter Allen, but no one cares.

Something a little more modern for you.

"I have these thoughts
So often I ought
To replace that slot
With what I once bought
'Cause somebody stole
My car radio
And now I just sit in silence."

[willtwallace]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Sorry, but could you should be more specific about "iron block." Vintage or new iron blocks? New is new and old is, well, old.

The new iron blocks can be bored out to larger cubic inch displacement(s) than old iron blocks. And in theory, new production manufacturing technologies produce higher quality blocks. However, as you can see with Brent's comments about a shortage of blocks now, finding foundries to produce new blocks is difficult.

ah, sorry, im basically talking newly cast IB

[Mongoose930]

Let's not forget Survival Motorsports: Survival Motorsports Home Page

My Engine Is Almost Famous

[RodKnock]

Generally speaking, the new iron blocks will also have more meat so that they can bored larger than the aluminum blocks.

And some might say that the mating of the iron block/aluminum head combo might/could have some sort of chemical bonding issues.

Ultimately, for me in any case, it's all about the weight savings, which is roughly about 100-125 lbs on the front of the car.

Others will correct me if I'm wrong.

[era556]

Will if you are heading to ERA any time soon, let me knowI am a short distance off of rt 95 in Maryland. We could meet and you could check out my ERA. Nothing beats listening to and experiencing a high hp FE.
Bob

[willtwallace]

Originally Posted by era556

Will if you are heading to ERA any time soon, let me knowI am a short distance off of rt 95 in Maryland. We could meet and you could check out my ERA. Nothing beats listening to and experiencing a high hp FE.
Bob

I don't know if this qualifies as soon, but I will be there August 5th and 6th.

hmm, maybe I shouldn't post that on the internet???? Too late

[era556]

Just let me know. If you're interested just pm me and I'll give you directions.