Aftermarket Aluminum FE Blocks

[olddog]

Originally Posted by Woodz428

I understand the reasoning for the question and think the comparisons to the Mod motor or Late model Chebby stock engines are irrelevant to that. I think both of those engines underwent substantial high mileage testing, because the mfg's have to warranty their stuff. Something that is probably unlikely with any aftermarket Aluminum block, most I've seen only warranty against mfg. defects. If for no other reason than the number of variables involved. Once you assemble it and add your parts, they are pretty much in the clear, it could be attributed to any number of things other than just the block. I could expound on the amount of miles some of the bike engines that I serviced over the years achieved, but that is hardly applicable. I feel the same way about the comparison to new factory engines.
I'm a big FE fan, but have avoided any aluminum block because of shortage of longterm info. For me, the little extra weight isn't as much of a concern.

My reason to point at the aluminum Modulars is basically that aluminum can be used sucessfully, if done right. However the devel is always in the details. You are correct to point out this proves nothing on the FE blocks. A lot of differances between an FE and a modular. Overhead cam verses lifters and pushrods. The size differance matters too. The coeffecient of thermal expansion is multiplied times the distance, so a longer block will grow more than a short one over the same temp change. With than said I still doubt an aluminum FE is goint to wear something out in less than 10K miles, because it is aluminum. However if the engineering is wrong, a lot of bad things could happen.