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Which FE Aluminium Block is best?
After receiving the bad news about my original 427 S/O block (damage to bottom of bore on No. 6 cylinder & liner in No.7 amongst other issues), I've decided to replace it with a new aluminium block but need you advice to decide which is best in terms of Quality, Cost & Delivery between the 3 suppliers that I know of, namely Pond, Genesis & Shelby.
I know the Shelby block is more expensive, but which one will give me the best value for money, considering that it will be used to create a 600hp stroker motor for the street.:D |
I would consider Shelby or Pond, I have beat on two Shelby blocks both are doing there job. I have not had a pond block yet!
I like the Shelby block main caps and longer head studs. I think you would be safe with either. The Pond looks more like the original side oiler block. The Shelby block ran me about a $1k more. |
Shelby block is bulletproof @ 650hp.
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Depending on your time frame, prepare to wait for a Shelby block. My engine builder ordered my big bore Shelby block early june and received it end of october.
I doubt you'll find a better alu block out there though :-) |
Look at the construction of them and compare. Shelby has studs for heads, they go halfway down the bores so they're not pulling on the over thicknessed deck. They have a 6 bolt main bottom end. They are being used hard in many classes requiring period architecture including the 8.8 sec Comet and others at 422. Shelby Engines has been acquired by Denbeste to ensure better supply. They have also been moved very recently but I hear are good to go in their new digs. Call Robert Rice on lead times, tell him I said Hi.
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Pond...
Bulletproof at 650 hp and then some....plus you don't have to pay for the name. |
Pond. The block is a work of art; Robert is a superlative builder and first class gentleman who stands by his products 1000%.
I would not consider anyone else. GRUFF |
I have 2 Shelby blocks and feel that they are very good in terms of finish and can stand up to big power. They are very good quality and I am not budget sensitive. I do know that whatever Robert Pond makes is good quality and designed for severe duty. I did buy some parts from him for my 427 SOHC and they are works of art. I do not think that you can go wrong with either and if the motor is built well, you should not have any problems. There are plenty of engine builders who visit this forum that have worked with both.
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Kirkham billet block when they finish it...
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Pond all the way...
It's a true side oiler with the "correct" casting numbers. Painted, you can't tell it from an original. Like the Shelby, the head studs go deep in the skirts. You also can avoid the Shelby tax. > 1000 HP = Shelby, < 1000 HP = Pond |
My research suggests design wise they are slightly different, but the stark reality is either will more than happily satisfy your needs as described in your opening post.
Now it's up to you if you want to fork out an extra $1k for the name. FWIW - I'll be going Pond (because its slightly lighter & cheaper, yet doesn't sacrifice any quality), unless Kirkham expedite things with their blocks. |
Who is your engine builder? Huddart or Knight??
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I think I am going with the Pond, but curious to hear if anyone has received and used a Kirkham block yet.
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I have a Shelby block, but the Pond is a better value. The caveat being I haven't checked prices in a very long time. IIRC, at the time I purchased, the price difference was $1,000.
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And when someone looks in your engine bay at the Pond engine and asks, "Is it a side-oiler?", you'll say "yes". :cool:
David |
I have Shelby block #197, built by Mike LeFeveres (sp?) when he was still with Shelby before he went on his own. No complaints.
Well...you can't really complain about the occasional oil leak with an FE, now can you??:cool: |
Thanks Guys! Lots of good information. It seems the only choice is between Pond & Shelby and given that the quality of both seems to be comparable, then Pond wins in terms of value for money!
To answer an earlier post, my engine builder is Knight Racing. Lots of experience in building race engines for historic race cars such as GT40s and famous Cobras such as GPG 4C. I'm confident he will do a far superior job to my previous engine builder! |
Genesis used to make both a iron and aluminum sideoiler FE block. They still may be out there and the iron block was reasonable. IIRC, Barry R. used the Genesis iron block for most, if not, all his own builds.
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