ok so we know the obvious that alunium is alot lighter than cast iron with combined with alunium heads it can raise the front end of a 3rd gen by 1 inch from the weight savings....thats what i am looking for a lighter front end how ever how much weaker is alunium blocks??? if it over heats is it more likely to warp? or crack.

i wanna know the pros and cons vs the 2 and your experiences.

 

Here's some arguments for you:
https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=260512
Although it involves the LS-1.
The only problem that I can see with an aluminum SBC is the cost. There are little issues like anti-freeze, threads, and some race-only blocks may have provisions for dry sump only (no filter). If you can avoid some of those pitfalls I can't see any reason not to run one, especially if you're into the road race/ handling thing.

 

Aluminum blocks have steel sleeves in the bores, sorta like a big diesel truck engine. Come rebuild time, you don't bore it, you knock them out and put new ones in. Bolt tightening sometimes needs a wrench that measures in degrees (think angles) as well.

Aluminum blocks do tend to warp more than iron blocks do, just like aluminum heads vs cast iron heads.

 

well not to refer to fords for some logic, but one of the reasons the 2003 cobra handles better than the previous generation cobra is because ford switched back to an iron block in the 03 for the potential power people were going to be making with the blowers. They retained the aluminum heads tho which lightened the motor up on top, but since the motors in mustangs, and camaros as well sit so low, the iron block actualy helps to lower the center of gravity of the car and aids you slightly in the corners. go with an iron block, but get aluminum heads and loose some weight uptop, you'll be happy.

 

That makes no sense, but i know what your talking about. No matter what weight is not your friend, when it comes to handling.

 

:werd:

 

ya know, looking back on what I typed, it really doesnt make sense lol, but I do know that the cobras with the iron blocks handle slightly better than those with the aluminum blocks... ford engineers explained it as such, having to do with better weight ratios and the fact that the block sits under where the center of rotation is on the body when it is rolling in a corner and actualy helps to stabalize the car, kinda like balast in a boat

 

Figures, Ford engineers :shrug:

Don't get me started on Ford engineers. I have worked with them on a couple of U of Idaho engineering projects and... morons.

 

although you can sleeve a cast iron block too...depends on which block...