anyone tried to build a ford gt motor

[olddog]

Originally Posted by eschaider

By the way the the engine is very light. When I started I saw all the same 650# stuff. The real world is different. Aluminum Block 105#, heads complete 65# each, Crank 55# rods & pistons 15#, Dry sump hoses and pan 17#, Whipple blower and manifold 70 or 75# (I forgot).

The internet source I saw actually claims that the aluminum block DOHC engine is 20# heavier than the cast iron SOHC engine. I have doubted that since Sean Highland said the aluminum block is 80# lighter than a cast iron block. I just don't see 2 cams, 16 valves and springs, slightly bigger head, and steel crank adding up to that much more weight.

I have a DOHC engine on the stand, but no way to weigh it short of dissassembly. It needs pulled apart anyway. Maybe this will motivate me to get started.

[eschaider]

The engine as we use it is a flyweight. The only way I can figure the 600/650# numbers must be with clutch, flywheel, accessories like AC and probably the shipping crate for a complete assembly.

Easiest way to check the weight is a tear down and a scale. You'll be positively amazed! If you supercharge it use a Teksid aluminum block (2001 or earlier production) for the thicker casting. You'll pay a small weight penalty but it is reliable at 600 HP. The '03 and later blocks use a thin wall casting and much improved (at least visually) main webbing and caps. The cyclinders don't have as much aluminum supporting them and power levels above 600 HP (superchargers?) will literally push the block apart. The thin wall castings have a particularly robust appearance to the outside of the block, but the real giveaway is they only weigh 80#. The block you want will weigh 105/110# in aluminum. I think the '02 blocks are the same as the 03 and later but I don't know for sure.

By the way Sean Hyland is probably the Keith Black of modular engines. The guy has done a incredible job of producing high quality, aftermarket parts for the engine that simply can't be found anywhere else. Important things like single groove stainless valves are only available from him. He makes an aftermarket all aluminum block for both the 4.6 and 5.4 that is stunning. Cyclinder wall thickness with the large 3.7" bore is equal or greater than the old 3.55 bore Teksid blocks.

Ed