What's the appeal of an aluminum engine block?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Dimis

I hope that helps with your survey

... and if the engine had exploded in to a supernova on its first dyno run?

[Large Arbor]

I bought the car which had an aluminum block.

Having noted that, I have noticed two significant advantages. 1) They cool off really quickly which is great in hot weather. 2) the weight savings is significant.
3) if you have a good engine builder the risks can be mitigated.

Phil

[jhv48]

Originally Posted by Large Arbor

3) if you have a good engine builder the risks can be mitigated.
Phil

And away we go!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by jhv48

And away we go!

Yes, I didn't want to say it at the time, but that remark implies that if you can't mitigate the risks, then you are not a good engine builder.

[Large Arbor]

Please don't confuse what I am saying. I think Brent is a great engine builder. I am saying it helps to have someone that has built multiple aluminum engines rather than having a first time builder do an aluminum one. My engine builder preferred Shelby blocks above others as he said there was less block work to do when he received it.

I said also "mitigate" which is risk reduction but not elimination. I don't think you can eliminate all of them. I also am not saying they are superior to a steel block.

I think there are pros and cons to each direction. I can tell you things do move around on the aluminum block worse than a steel block.

Phil

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Yes, I didn't want to say it at the time, but that remark implies that if you can't mitigate the risks, then you are not a good engine builder.

A good builder (or professional in any field) mitigates against the known issues. Experience counts here. It doesn't mean they mitigate EVERY single possible issue. You just can't know the unknown.


EDIT By the time I finish my thoughts, get distracted by the NBA game, then interrupted by work sheesh... and type them up, Phil has already quite eloquently summed it up for me... Yeah, what he said. ^

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Dimis

EDIT By the time I finish my thoughts, get distracted by the NBA game, then interrupted by work sheesh... and type them up, Phil has already quite eloquently summed it up for me... Yeah, what he said. ^

76ers-Timberwolves or Bulls-Jazz? You're easily distracted if either one.

[blykins]

I think the weight of the Pond cast iron block would probably be an aberration. It's cast heavier in many spots and as a result, will hold 1000+ hp and will take a 4.400"+ bore size. Keep in mind that going from that factory standard 4.233"-4.250" bore size to a 4.310"-4.375"-4.400" bore takes out a LOT of weight....

I have a factory 427 S/O block here, I think they weigh somewhere around 195 lbs.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by patrickt

... and if the engine had exploded in to a supernova on its first dyno run?

Well, it really could have... but it could have if iron too.

In the end I trusted the guy who put it together... It turned out ok.

At the same time if it went bang, I guess Brett (and or I) would have had to find the time, money and energy to chase up the supplier... Not easy in a one man band. So I understand his headache.

Despite there being plenty of fat factored into the price, eg: when you pay the manufacturer $5K for recycled coke-cans in the shape of a block, or $2K for heads, it doesn't mean the manufacturer would be prepared to stand by their faulty product or workmanship. Its worse again with NOS parts. NO chance of a warranty there.

Originally Posted by blykins

I have made the decision to not accept any more all-aluminum FE build orders.

Originally Posted by blykins

As some of you know, aftermarket FE blocks have been non-existent this year. I've been waiting on blocks since February and still have not received any. Foundries have changed, designs have changed, and until things settle down

By the way not accepting any more orders is just prudent and practical in light of the fact blocks are just not available. I didn't see him say he wont ever build them again in the future.