Shelby aluminum block

[RICK LAKE]

Installed stroker kit from 452 to 482 3 years ago. block is still square and running great. Thank Mike Lefevers for getting these motors off the ground and pointing out issues in the beginning, CSX# 58. CSX #428 is going to Gessford next summer for the magic work of Neil. 498 cubes of good running motor with a few tricks. Rick L.

[dynoroom]

Originally Posted by RICK LAKE

Installed stroker kit from 452 to 482 3 years ago. block is still square and running great. Thank Mike Lefevers for getting these motors off the ground and pointing out issues in the beginning, CSX# 58. CSX #428 is going to Gessford next summer for the magic work of Neil. 498 cubes of good running motor with a few tricks. Rick L.

Thanks Rick!

Lots of misinformation out there but you know how it is. "Ive never built one but..."
Everyone has issues from time to time, the Shelby block was no different, but it still the best imho.

[mhacars]

I have 2 Shelby blocks. CSX # 567 does leak from the rear seal. I believe it is later on that they changed the design. This block is the basis for my spercharged dry sumped 468 cubic inch motor that they built for me. I think the leak may also be due to the increased crank case pressure that the blower creates. It did not leak right away, but after 100 road miles it the Cobra started to mark its territory.

CSX # 1015 was delivered to me in August 2008. When I ordered it they told me the rear seal was the newer design. The 452 cubic inch SOHC that is being built for it by Jim Barillaro is not finished yet. So I cannot say if it leaks. Hopefully it won't as it will not be an easy fix in a GT40 that will be patterned after chassis # 1015.

[RICK LAKE]

mhacars Any chance of seeing some pictures when you are done? I would really like to see your drysump blown motor.

As far as the GT car, brother we think alike. What gear box are you going with. With that motor and a 5 speed box, speed in the range of 240mph will be no problem. You could always add a couple of hair dryers to this motor. Shelby did draw up pictures of this back in the early 70's. Problem was getting the heat out from under the hood. Are you going to go hunting of ZR1 vettes and other silly people who drive foreign cars??? Boy are they going to look silly. Rick L.

[mhacars]

In terms of gearbox, I am using a 5 speed ZF from RBT. I don't know if cooling will be an issue with the proper rad and water pump. Unfortunately, I am not there yet. I believe that the biggest challenge will be making the headers work given the width of the engine and that it too will be a dry sump version. I would post pictures of my current blown motor, but I do not know how to do so.