I've always loved the ZL1 engines but I'm looking for a 427 Aluminum SB and I cannot seem to find one. I know Motown sells a 427 SB but it's iron. I also do not want to have to bore, or stroke the engine or anything like that to make it a 427. I know I'm asking for a lot but if I'm going to spend this kind of money on a block I want it to be right. Thanks.

 

The ZL1 was a big block, not a small block. Why the heck do you want to waste $5000 on an aluminum bottom end??? Just a complete waste of money.

 

I know aluminum is weaker, that's obvious, even if I was going to get the block frozen. (Cryo treatment) I was also wanted aluminum to lighten up the front end to make the car handle better. Please elaborate why an aluminum bottom end is a waste of money. Too bad they aren't six bolt mains huh?

 

It's a waste of money because it's extreme overkill for a street car. The cost differential between an aluminum block and an iron block is enourmous. Unless you're going to compete on the Trans Am racing circuit it's probably not for you. Aluminum blocks can be very strong. That's not an issue. Cryo-treatment is for hardening. You don't do that to blocks. You sleeve the cylinder with a steel liner.

It's a common misconception that aluminum anything makes more power the iron anything. That's not true. Iron holds heat better which increases the efficiency of the combustion process. That goes for heads and for blocks. Put that same money into heads and a supercharger and you'll really put out some power!

 

Will no one just answer the orginal question for this person? My gosh people it's not your money. Maybe he's filthy rich. If I was I'd do the same just for fun.

You can get aluminum BB's (including the 427) from http://www.pawinc.com/
They don't have an on-line catalog, your have to order one and when it comes shop till you drop.

 

Okay, this will be my showcar and weekend driver. I do know the differences between iron and aluminum too but the real reason I'm doing it is for the weight savings. I want this car to handle. I also want to be different. How many firebirds actually have an all aluminum 427 small block engine under the hood? And John, relax, no big deal, lol. But thanks. I know about PAW and that they sell aluminum BB's but i want a smallblock.

 

IMHO, you'll need to hire/contract someone
to build you one if you can't build it yourself.

Donovan, Rodec and others offer SBC aluminum
blocks. GM even offers an aluminum block.
http://paceparts.safeshopper.com/123/314.htm

IMHO, use a 4.125" bore and a 4.0" stroke
4340 forged crank with some AFR 230cc heads
and you'll be set for a little while...
(more exotic heads are available if you
really want to drop some coin)

good luck,

T.

 

I didn't know you could get a 427 SB? What do you have to do? Stroke a 400 SB?

 

Basically yes. There are several ways to
obtain the displacement, but using non-exotic
parts, I would personally stay with the
stock SBC 400's boresize of 4.125". Then
add a custom 4340 forged 4.0" stroke crank
and you're almost there....

Here's some "theoretical" displacment
calculations:

Chevy 400 - 3.75" stroke stock crank
-------------------------------------------
Bore: 4.125 4.155 4.185
CID: 400.871 406.723 412.617

Chevy 400 - 3.85" stroke custom crank
-------------------------------------------
Bore: 4.125 4.155 4.185
CID: 411.561 417.569 423.621

Chevy 400 - 3.875" stroke custom crank
-------------------------------------------
Bore: 4.125 4.155 4.185
CID: 414.285 420.333 426.425

Chevy 400 - 4.0" stroke custom crank
-------------------------------------------
Bore: 4.125 4.155 4.185
CID: 427.595 433.838 440.125

Chevy 400 - 4.125" stroke custom crank
-------------------------------------------
Bore: 4.125 4.155 4.185
CID: 441.013 447.451 453.936

SO... With the either the tall-deck Alumimum
block or the Olds Rocket block, you could utilize
long-rods to get a better rod/stroke ratio as
well as build a SBC 454 if you REALLY wanted
to (and have enough coin)

hth,

T.

 

Or you could just call Bill Mitchell Racing and get his 427 small block that he designed to be a lot beefier overall.

 

Yep, this is a possibility (although
I wouldn't say its "overall ALOT beefier"
than something any machine shop could build
since it uses "off the shelf" parts)

Here's the link (have to cut&paste):

http://216.34.29.151/serv/engine/buy...n&node=1900103

hth,

T>

 

Call LPE he made a 427 smallblock and assume he still can.if you have the money he'll build it.

 

Well, since the aluminum 427 SB seems to be a dream, lol, would someone like to suggest some realistic engine combinations? My whole reason for aluminum was to be light up front because I'd like my car to handle (>1G skidpad). I'd also like to be getting 400+ HP and TQ to the ground naturally aspirated. I'm also close minded on intake. I'm going with dual throttle body injection. Everything else I am open minded about.