Aluminum small block pros/cons?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by madmaxx

How much is a complete RELIABLE FE built to 550 hp and 550 ft-lbs, Iron block?

It's going to be over $10k for a 390 and, depending on whether it's a 428 or 427, whether it's an original iron block, or a new block, and what you have in it, you're going to get closer to $15k, or even $20k for a top of the line build. No, I'm not kidding. And even for a "top o' the line" FE build there's a tremendous amount of luck involved on whether it runs the way you want, doesn't leak, and doesn't break all the time.

EDIT: A lot of builders will undercut Keith Craft and still do a fine job, but his prices will at least give you a feel for what you're dealing with: http://www.keithcraft.com/ourengines4.html

[madmaxx]

Heck a polished roush 427 is touching $15k, throw in the billet valve covers and you are easily over $15K.

Just because I am a glutant for punishment my next one will have a big block be it a new block etc. The problem with mine is the enigne is like a timex watch it starts and runs everytime, doesnt leak a drop and I can smoke the tires going into third. Gas mileage suks at about 12 mpg, I need a bigger tank. I did drive a spf with a 460 in once, definetly had more torque on the low end but each one can easily burn the tires off the rim in 1st gear, With the 460 you could let out the clutch with no gas and the engine speed would not even dip but it had nothing at the upper end and was a dog. Not a big difference in sound although spf side pipes are on the quite side, which I like.

Originally Posted by patrickt

It's going to be over $10k for a 390 and, depending on whether it's a 428 or 427, whether it's an original iron block, or a new block, and what you have in it, you're going to get closer to $15k, or even $20k for a top of the line build. No, I'm not kidding. And even for a "top o' the line" FE build there's a tremendous amount of luck involved on whether it runs the way you want, doesn't leak, and doesn't break all the time.

EDIT: A lot of builders will undercut Keith Craft and still do a fine job, but his prices will at least give you a feel for what you're dealing with: http://www.keithcraft.com/ourengines4.html

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by madmaxx

Heck a polished roush 427 is touching $15k, throw in the billet valve covers and you are easily over $15K.

Some of the more expensive FE builds (that I know of, that is) come from Roush. Some of the readers here might enjoy perusing the cost of the different Roush engines. http://www.mustangdepot.com/OnLineCa...ne-pricing.htm