What's the appeal of an aluminum engine block?

[jhv48]

Just to stir the pot a bit, if some of you really are that concerned about the weight of your car, how about the weight added when you stuff yourselves into the drivers seat.
From reading many of these posts in the past, I get the feeling that some of you can barely fit behind the steering wheel.
Just think, if you had an aluminum engine AND brought your weight down to your table weight. Some of your cars could get 300-400 lbs lighter. Think of the performance gains.
I normally drive with my wife in the car. She weighs in at 123 lbs. when I go on a solo drive, without that extra 123 lbs in the car, my car becomes a whole lot faster and scarier to drive.

Just sayin!

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by jhv48

Just to stir the pot a bit, if some of you really are that concerned about the weight of your car, how about the weight added when you stuff yourselves into the drivers seat.
From reading many of these posts in the past, I get the feeling that some of you can barely fit behind the steering wheel.
Just think, if you had an aluminum engine AND brought your weight down to your table weight. Some of your cars could get 300-400 lbs lighter. Think of the performance gains.
I normally drive with my wife in the car. She weighs in at 123 lbs. when I go on a solo drive, without that extra 123 lbs in the car, my car becomes a whole lot faster and scarier to drive.

Just sayin!

I weight 170lbs. I would need to loose 150lbs to negotiate the block weight. A 20lb man. Don't think so.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by jhv48

Just to stir the pot a bit, if some of you really are that concerned about the weight of your car, how about the weight added when you stuff yourselves into the drivers seat.
From reading many of these posts in the past, I get the feeling that some of you can barely fit behind the steering wheel.
Just think, if you had an aluminum engine AND brought your weight down to your table weight. Some of your cars could get 300-400 lbs lighter. Think of the performance gains.
I normally drive with my wife in the car. She weighs in at 123 lbs. when I go on a solo drive, without that extra 123 lbs in the car, my car becomes a whole lot faster and scarier to drive.

Just sayin!

I hear this arguement a lot with bikes. But the truth is even a fatties are entitled to the perceived performance benefits of lighter carbon bikes.
They might not be faster than ,"slim fit Jim", but they still feel the difference.

Ps. Nothing wrong with a little "bling", it's not a dirty word.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Dimis

I hear this arguement a lot with bikes. But the truth is even a fatties are entitled to the perceived performance benefits of lighter carbon bikes.
They might not be faster than ,"slim fit Jim", but they still feel the difference.

No, these bicyclists must start with heavier bikes, because if weight reduction and building muscle are their goals, then they need push heavier weight bikes to increase musculature and lose fat. The lightweight bikes should be reserved for those that have already attained a body fat % in the athletic range.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

Bling. The 150lbs weight savings is a big deal. Go to a gym. Take 3 45lbs plates and a 25lbs plate and strap it to the front of the car and tell me you can't tell the difference.

Just so Brent knows, the weight savings is about this much.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Just so Brent knows, the weight savings is about this much.

Hey, wait a minute, is that guy Carlos Danger?

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Hey, wait a minute, is that guy Carlos Danger?

East Coast elitist humor. Most people that own Cobras just aren't that bright.

[blykins]

If it were 100% viable, it may be an option.

However, I don't want the hassle. I can make money on other engines that don't require the same amount of risk, or extra steps.

[patrickt]

Alright, I'll still buy you a Porterhouse at 21 Club.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Alright, I'll still buy you a Porterhouse at 21 Club.

You do realize that most of your schtick goes over people's heads.

Do they have vegie burgers?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

You do realize that most of your schtick goes over people's heads.

Do they have vegie burgers?

Yes, sadly I do realize that. And, yes, we can get you a veggie burger if you really want one.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Yes, sadly I do realize that. And, yes, we can get you a veggie burger if you really want one.

None of those crappy Costco types. I want fancy veggie burger with quinoa, mushrooms, black beans, beets, lentils, etc. Too much red meat is bad for you. Some fresh fish would be great also, but hopefully not caught on the East Coast.

[RodKnock]

It seems like we talk about block weight a couple times a year here.

For the record:

OEM 427 side oiler block = 195 lbs

Pond alloy block = 135 lbs

Shelby alloy block = 125 lbs
(Shelby 427 FE Bare Block | Call Us @ 707-836-1534 | Carroll Shelby Engine Company)

10 lbs is 10 lbs.

And the cast iron BBM block is 250 lbs.

So, now the difference between a Shelby alloy block and the BBM cast iron block is 125 lbs. Of course, if they actually do make them and you can get one sometime before the sun burns out or does a supernova.

BBM Cast Iron FE Engine Block (FE427 Side Oiler) | Bear Block Motors

[rodneym]

I have the sneaking suspicion that Denbeste doesn't have this problem getting ally blocks (if we're talking Shelby blocks).
Anyone know different?

[Antny]

The power-to-weight ratio is a big feature of our cars. So yeah, saving weight is probably why people opt for alu blocks.

[RodKnock]

There seems to be a shortage of new FE blocks from everyone that offers one. I feel sorry for those folks that are in the process of building an engine for their Cobras and other FE related cars.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

There seems to be a shortage of new FE blocks from everyone that offers one. I feel sorry for those folks that are in the process of building an engine for their Cobras and other FE related cars.

Just do what I did. Buy a high-quality, original 428 iron block with the extra webbing and then just tell everyone it's a 427. That's worked for me for over a decade now.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Just do what I did. Buy a high-quality, original 428 iron block with the extra webbing and then just tell everyone it's a 427. That's worked for me for over a decade now.

Isn't "high quality" and "original 428 iron block" an oxymoron? And why would anyone want a faux FE in their BB Cobra?

[blykins]

Power to weight ratio....

2400 lbs vs 600 hp - 4 lbs / hp

2300 lbs vs 600 hp - 3.83 lbs / hp.

You'd never know the difference.

[patrickt]

He'll notice. Remember, he's discriminating....