Ford Aluminium Block

fordracer · #1 (**permalink**) 04-02-2003, 07:34 PM

Has anybody here used the FRPP 351 aluminium block ? Maybe know somebody who has ? I'm wondering what kind of machine work was needed to make the block useable. Thanks

decooney · #2 (**permalink**) 04-02-2003, 08:55 PM

Fordracer,

please post your findings on this block once you get there...

A local friend was seriously considering building this block in to a 427 aluminum small block stroker for his Unique Cobra. I'm hoping he still does. We want to see how it turns out, runs, handles... seems like it could be the best of all worlds for value, performance and handling combined.

Bart Carter · #3 (**permalink**) 04-03-2003, 04:19 PM

I just received my block. I will post everything after it is finished.

southernfriedcj · #4 (**permalink**) 04-03-2003, 04:26 PM

Bart, where did you get your block? How much $, if you don't mind?The best price I've seen was $3800. via the net.

Bart Carter · #5 (**permalink**) 04-03-2003, 04:40 PM

About $4,000. Haven't got the breakdown yet from my builder.

$3800 is probably the best you can do from my checking.

Although you can go to 454 cu. in., I decided not to stroke. (9.5 deck ht.) Going toward the NASCAR route. Using a SCAT crank, long rods, flat top pistons, Brodix NASCAR heads, dry sump. It's getting kind of pricy.

I am going fuel injection, but haven't decided on which one yet.

TerrysSPF · #6 (**permalink**) 04-03-2003, 04:55 PM

I hate to ask this, but...........isn't there such a thing as being "too light" in the front end of a Cobra?? I can see going with an alum block on a BIG BLOCK, but why an alum SB? Things get a little "light" in the front as it is (with an iron block) once you get above the century mark in these cars. What is the weight balance front / rear with an alum SB in there? Anybody??

niles · #7 (**permalink**) 04-03-2003, 05:22 PM

NO!~
there no such thing as being too light!!!!!!!! That like being too rich or too pretty.

F=MA; ie, A(acelleration)= F(torque)/M(weight). Alum blocks get you a honest 50/50 weight distribution which is ideal. Front end getting light is an aero problem that you fix with spoilers or wind gadgets!!

gn

fordracer · #8 (**permalink**) 04-03-2003, 06:41 PM

Hey Mr. Southernfried, where have you found this block on the net ? Mr. Carter, is that $ 4000 all set ready to go or is that just out of the box ? I'm expecting some machine work, I would just like to know what ? Thanks guys

Bart Carter · #9 (**permalink**) 04-03-2003, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TerrysSPF
I hate to ask this, but...........isn't there such a thing as being "too light" in the front end of a Cobra?? I can see going with an alum block on a BIG BLOCK, but why an alum SB? Things get a little "light" in the front as it is (with an iron block) once you get above the century mark in these cars. What is the weight balance front / rear with an alum SB in there? Anybody??

Light weight equals better acceleration, braking and cornering. Also less strain/more longevity on components. Aerodynamics are responsible for lift. In a Cobra the windshield actually stabilizes the car. If you take off the windshield, you need a front spoiler. And a spoiler wouldn't be a bad idea if you are going over 150.

In my particular car, I have added weight and taken it off. Compared to a 302 powered car, I have added with a tremec 6-speed (50 lbs over a T5), Levy Racing stage 5 chassis (30 lbs.). But I have taken away with AL everything for the engine (including flywheel), brakes (30 lbs) and wheels (45 lbs.) I am looking for 2100 to 2200 lbs. About 48/52 F/R distribution.

Bart Carter · #10 (**permalink**) 04-03-2003, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fordracer ... is that $ 4000 all set ready to go or is that just out of the box ? I'm expecting some machine work, I would just like to know what ? Thanks guys

I'll post as soon as the final measurements and machining are done.

scottj · #11 (**permalink**) 04-04-2003, 05:45 AM

TerrysSPF,

I'm 53% rear bias with my iron block and 55% rear with my aluminum engine. The car gets off the corner better with 55%.

The Shell Valley with the alum Chevy engine that was at Run & Gun and was mentioned a couple of days ago in another thread (Chevy Cobra kicks Asp) has 60% rear. It has an aluminum engine and it is set back an additional 6" or so.

djseed · #12 (**permalink**) 04-04-2003, 10:34 AM

Fordracer:

You can get them from Raceparts Distribution. They also have the finished 427 cobra kit motor for $16,427. They are listed under Crate Engines and Engine Blocks.

http://www.racepartsdistribution.com/index.html

fordracer · #13 (**permalink**) 04-04-2003, 07:15 PM

Thanks for the info.

southernfriedcj · #14 (**permalink**) 04-09-2003, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fordracer

Hey Mr. Southernfried, where have you found this block on the net ?

FR, I'll have to find the site. I had it saved, but deleted it when I decided to go with Roush. It was a Canadian site, the price was $3801. American, with free shipping.

mikiec · #15 (**permalink**) 04-09-2003, 03:25 PM

Check with Gordon Levy. He has one of those blocks in his shop. He is building it up for a customer.

Mike

southernfriedcj · #16 (**permalink**) 04-09-2003, 03:54 PM

www.wmsracing.com

The price is $3,801.85 USD.
I was wrong about the free shipping. WMS is in Alberta, so that may push the shipping $$ up.