Aluminum small block pros/cons?

[Cougar]

Rick, I have to disagree with your statement about torque... just a little. Of my 2 cars, I much prefer running my higher horsepower, higher rpm 347 motor over the mild but very torquey 392. The low rpm abundance of torque in the 392 just can't effectively be put to the ground in these light cars with street tires, but the high revs and strong upper end of my 347 is always amusing.
Matt, where is the battery in the SPF cars? If it is in the rear, like the FFRs, then there may be another pro to the aluminum. Go with an aluminum block, and move the battery to the front and you have shaved a significant amount of weight and better balanced the car. If you plan to do any autocrossing, I would think that it should definitely have a real and measurable effect.
Have you seen the 2010 FRPP catalog? They have a new aluminum 4 bolt small block crate motor announced on page 77, but there is no power or pricing set yet. On the next page they have the same spec motor in iron; 535 hp and 545 ft-lb for $8800 (a steal!). Once Ford announces the price for the aluminum crate, and the weight of both, you will have a direct comparison.
Peter

[Slick61]

everyone has their own taste/preference when it comes to engines. When I bought my Backdraft, I was hesitant at first to go with a high-horsepower aluminum engine. But I did a little research & bit the bullet. That was nearly 3 years ago.

My KCR Dart aluminum-blocked 427W has been trouble-free with routine maintenance. And since it's a stroked small-block, I have plenty of room in the engine bay to work on it. That extra room also helps with cooling... both the engine and the cockpit dont' get overheated. My weight distribution is near-perfect 50/50, and it's a unique conversation starter to have a stroked aluminum small block. And I can't tell you how many times people have told me how great my "big block" sounds. There's no shortage of horsepower or torque (612 hp/615 tq)... and it winds up so fast it'll scare you, yet it will still maintain a fairly lumpy idle at 800 rpm in town. I'm always careful to warm the engine slowly (let the choke do the work)- which my neighbors aren't too crazy about, but hey... an ounce of prevention...

In the end, the decision is yours. It's an emotional purchase- follow your instincts & buy what makes you happiest. You don't want to later regret not getting what you really wanted in the first place.

Good luck-

[madmaxx]

It amazes me Roush charges $1250 more for a polished engine. You can buy a new polished intake, alternator, water pump, timing cover for $900 and install and still have the original parts laying in your gargare. Why would anyone pay $1,250 more? Get the unpolished, go purchase new and have a complete set of extra parts laying around. The labor is the same to install either one.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by madmaxx

It amazes me Roush charges $1250 more for a polished engine. You can buy a new polished intake, alternator, water pump, timing cover for $900 and install and still have the original parts laying in your gargare. Why would anyone pay $1,250 more? Get the unpolished, go purchase new and have a complete set of extra parts laying around. The labor is the same to install either one.

You could do that...and void your warranty in the process.

[PANAVIA]

why do people insist on that polished stuff -- you cant drive it an look at the engine at the same time. -- ugh !

I had to go out of my way to get edelbrock stuff that wasnt all tarted up.

--shoot I may even paint it.

(channeling my grandfather just then -- sorry)

Steve

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by PANAVIA

why do people insist on that polished stuff

Steve

Ahem. Present company excepted.

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by PANAVIA

why do people insist on that polished stuff -- you cant drive it an look at the engine at the same time. -- ugh !

I had to go out of my way to get edelbrock stuff that wasnt all tarted up.

--shoot I may even paint it.

(channeling my grandfather just then -- sorry)

Steve

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Ahem. Present company excepted.

Rodney,

I think you get a special exemption ... Steve was talking under the hood ... not what's on the hood, where you've got that newfangled chrome paint!