What is your experience with aluminum engine blocks?

[DavidNJ]

Just for the record, Flatlander lists 8.2" Dart aluminum Dart blocks for $3669.

Ford Aluminum Blocks

Dart puts Ford racers in front with our first Aluminum blocks designed just for Fords. Working with leading Ford racers and engine builders, we designed the Race Series small-blocks to solve the shortcomings of production-type blocks used in high-performance and competition applications.

Dart blocks for Fords are produced on dedicated tooling and machined on state-of-the-art CNC equipment. We added the features that Ford racers need to build powerful and reliable engines. Take a close look and you’ll see why Fords fly with Dart!

• Premium alloy: Dart aluminum blocks are cast from virgin 355-T6 aerospace alloy for superior strength and integrity.

• Siamesed cylinders: Standard 4.00" or 4.125" cylinders can be safely bored to 4.165" diameter. Ductile iron sleeves and extra-thick walls prevent cracking and produce excellent ring seal.

• Scalloped water jackets increase coolant flow around cylinder barrels to prevent detonation, extend engine life and produce consistent cylinder temperatures.

• Four deck heights: 8.200" (302), 8.700" (stroker 302), 9.200" (351C) and 9.500" (351W) allow displacements up to 450ci. Short-deck versions fit under stock hoods while tall-deck versions are ideal for big-inch engines.

• Steel four-bolt main bearing caps are standard. Three center caps have splayed outer bolts for maximum strength; rear cap uses standard onepiece seal.

• Two main bearing diameters: 302 (2.249") or 351C (2.749") allow choice of small or large journal crankshaft.

• Stock components make Dart blocks a direct replacement for most production small-blocks. Provisions for stock motor mounts, accessory drives, smog pumps, starter brackets, oil pans and pumps.

• Upgraded oiling system has a complete stocktype system plus a low-restriction priority main oiling system with front and rear external oil pump feeds.

• Dual crossovers allow oil flow to be metered with restrictors for roller lifter cams and/or roller rocker arms to reduce oil flow and windage.

• Reinforced head bolt bosses are blind tapped to prevent leaks and produce accurate torque readings. Extra-thick decks prevent head gasket leaks.

• Standard camshaft and camshaft drive can be used.

• Precision CNC machining ensures consistent high quality and eliminates expensive “blueprinting.”