Aftermarket Aluminum FE Blocks

Keithc8 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-04-2010, 08:52 PM

I just ran across this discussion and wanted to say that I have not had anymore problems with aluminum blocks than I have had with cast iron blocks. About the only time I get contacted is when someone has a problem. The only real problem we have had with any of the FE engines is the deal with the Fel-Pro intake gaskets. We have worked with Cometic and Eldebrock to get a better gasket that fits the ports better and will hold up to the new anti-freezes as well as some of the minerals in the water. I can say that 10 years ago we never had this problem but who knows what may have changed with the anti-freeze and or the gaskets.
As far having any problems with the blocks I have not had anyone call with any. I do not know how many miles some of the guys may have on them. We have several that have been out there for at leat five years now. If the block is checked properly and machined right I do not think there should be any real problems.
We have had a few problems with some of the rear main seals but we do not make the blocks or the cranks. We have gotten them to put the grooves in the cranks to help direct the oil back into the engine and away from the rear seal in the last year as well as doing a special double seal set up to try and help this problem.
As with any cast part there can be flaws, cast iron or aluminum so we have seen a few of the blocks with pirosity problems from time to time but we normally catch this with the pressure test that we do. I agree with what was said before about the heat cycle issue being more important than actual miles. If a part is heated to its max or close to it time and time again in a short period of time it will lose some of its strength. We see this with some of the dirt track late model engines we do. They get them up to 230-250 sometimes as well as turning them 9000 rpms and this does hurt the life of the block. With normal use in a Cobra I see no problem getting 100,000 miles out of one if that is what it was built to do. I can see the engines we build out living a lot of the other parts on the car. I will also add this, most of the engines we sell do not get driven like a daily driver car either and we all know that.

Thanks, Keith Craft

RICK LAKE · #2 (**permalink**) 03-05-2010, 04:17 AM

Jamo Ron you also have one of the top FE builders that built your motor.

As far as the Distributor, the reason I do a complete swap is if the electronic goes bad inside. It's a lift up and down setup and 1 connection.

The chevy roll pin is also a great idea that alot of guys used. I have seen the smaller MSD pin break in the gear. If the pin breaks easiest way to check with the IGNITION OFF and COIL WIRE PULLED is to try and spin the rotor. If you can turn it more than a 1/4" either way, it could be broken.

IMO the bronze gear is the safer of the other gears for having less damage in the motor. Bronze is softer than iron or steel. If a piece gets into a bearing surface it will do little to no damage to the crankshaft.
If worried about a bronze gear wearing the easy thing to do is after the oil change, drain the filter and cut it open. Look for gold flakes in the folds. They sell filter magnets that stick to the side of the oil filter. You would be surprised to how much micro partials are caught with this thing. Not cheap but whats $40.00 buck more to protect $20-25,000.00 motor. Rick L.

patrickt · #3 (**permalink**) 03-05-2010, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICK LAKE

If worried about a bronze gear wearing the easy thing to do is after the oil change, drain the filter and cut it open. Look for gold flakes in the folds. They sell filter magnets that stick to the side of the oil filter. You would be surprised to how much micro partials are caught with this thing.

Nothing like one of those "bronze friendly" magnets, huh Rick?

RICK LAKE · #4 (**permalink**) 03-07-2010, 06:48 AM

Patrickt Pat I have recieved P-M's for a couple of guys here and looks like a possible MUMMY party may take place. Location is in VA, the land for lovers. Bandage material and 200 mph tape has been collected. WE are looking for a tester for the party and GUESS WHO'S NAME keeps coming up???

I bet you will look good in a white suit.

Have to go, be nice and have a good day, Take the car for a cruise, just watch out for foriegn drivers.

Rick L. Ps Yes I know there are no magnets for certain metals. That's why there are filters on the car to caught other crazy partials. Do they make a net big enough for you to be caught in???

undy · #5 (**permalink**) 03-07-2010, 06:54 AM