Not an expert here either but from what I have seen, most aluminum blocks have tons of extra ribbing cast into the to keep them stable. I would think a cast iron block will make more power for exactly that same reason. I have also heard of some blocks being bored to get max cubes that will make LESS power because the cylinder walls aren't as stable and won't seal the rings as well as a thicker wall will. You would think an aluminum block with sleeves wouldn't have this problem but if it's been proven on a dyno, it's hard to argue with! Ken
Heat- cast iron retains it. That's why you have to run higher compression and temperature with an aluminum block or head to produce the same power. The only benefits of aluminum are weight and repairability. ________ LovelyWendie99
Ok, when it comes down to the benefits of an aluminum block 30 hp wouldn't be the deciding factor. It's lighter, so right there I would think you would make up for it or most of it. It breaks you weld it, burn a piston- drop in new sleeves. New sleeves could be done at the track if need be, I know Rod would do it. So, the weight and reparability wouldn't even be comparable to gaining 30 hp. Granted your going to pay for those benefits.
Then again, who make an aluminum 455 block? It's likely no one ever will need to now that the iron block is coming out. I surely wouldn't wait for it if I had the money now. ________ California Medical Marijuana
The bottom line for me right now is, cast iron is the only choice! Well, the only choice I can afford right now. Someone with fat stacks of cash might be able to get one made here.
Yep, so there really is no reason to talk about the what if's, the possibility and the benefits of an aluminum block. It would be great to have one. No dought in my mind that Rod would buy one. It's not going to happen, then again neither was this block. You never know.
No one would have thought there was any way to recoup the costs for this block with the small group of people that would need them. If that wasn't the case, TA performance probably would have built one already. It's great news that there's an option now, and that bulldog went out on a line on this. I guess we can hope that maybe someday someone will do the aluminum version. I'm surprised you aren't the first ones in line with that kind of power your putting down. ________ Iolite portable vaporizer review
Who said Rod's not I don't know where he falls on the list, but he has been told he close to the top.
Sorry 'bout that. I thought you were waiting on something in AL. Can't wait to see what Rod can do with a motor to handle the boost! :Brow: :3gears: ________ PAXIL SICKNESS
Well I guess the whole aluminum thing is taking over the thread! Heck, I don't even have a car but I'm following this thread because I think it's great news for the guys who would break three blocks a year and still keep the BBB in there! I love Buicks but haven't owned one for years. The last GS I sold was for less that the hood would bring today:-( Don't think I'll ever have a GS again but there may be a clone out there for me some day and it will be well below the HP needs for this block, but I am just WAITING to see this thing come to life!!!!!! I marvel at what a close to stock 455 will do and soon, the day will be here when they can handle the HP mods to REALLY kick some butt!!!! Ken
Oh, I didn't take it as you heard something we hadn't. Rod didn't jump on the band wagon because "Yeah, we got a block" he wanted to know the specs of this block. He still wants to be able to see one for himself. Just because someone is willing to dump alot of money into this doesn't mean he knows what he is doing, Not saying Bulldog doesn't. Rod is not fimilar with his work and is questionable, like anyone would be. Rod was or is still looking at the big picture on this. He would love to have Mike at TA build an AL block, but it isn't going to happen anytime soon. I guess some of the questions or concerns may of come off as Rod wouldn't buy this block, that's not it, he just wants make sure he knows what he is getting into. There are still somethings that Rod is not sure about. Mainly in the aspect of you can't build a block too strong. There are some things that he would of done with a stock block that he is still going to do with this block even though he has been told it isn't called for.
Aluminum/ cast iron, who cares.......?.........really ?? For the guys out there that are going really fast, they have an outlet, if they choose to go that way, for a better piece. The pro stock guys only run into the mid 6's, and they run cast blocks. But they are NA set ups. A blown set up like Rods is huge different can of worms I think. They can spin things up and make some real power. Us naturally aspirated guys though, until we get heads that will make 1300 hp like the P/S guys, we should all be happy campers. Because the heads are now the limiting factor. Danie, Glad as hell to hear yall had your deposit in with Jim. You guys NEED one of these BAD(!!!!!!). I called a couple weeks ago and asked where I would be on the list if I just payed in full for one at that moment, and I think something like position 25(about) was open then. As soon as Rod gets his done and running in Scotty's chassis(thinking good thoughts for yall) I wanna fly in, where ever it rolls out the first time, to watch. Later................
Amen!!! Doug Hecker and I were discussing waaaayyy back when all we had were discussions on a block. Fact #1 limited amount of buyers, who ever comes out with a block first will clean up on the sales and dry up the immediate market. The cast block is now a reality prototype getting set for limited production run. If your on the fence...beg, borrow or steal...buy one! You never know when (or if) another few production runs will be made and you will never lose money on a owning one if you decide not to use it. Quite frankly I couldn't care either way aluminum or cast. Though I like aluminum for its repairabilty, it is not going to stop me for one nano second from jumping all over a cast block. Like Dave said, "Who cares". A block is made, I am sure that before long it will be together and running on a dyno with more being made. Buy one!! If not two :Brow:
i don't think anyone was questioning the merits of the new cast iron block versus an imaginary aluminum one.....personally, the questions i had were more in general for my own education......hypothetical queries, if you will :grin: now excuse me, i'm gonna go knock of a few liquer stores---errrrrr----go...to...work......to aqcuire the means to possesing a block of my own uzzled:
Thanks Bobb, I look forward to getting a peak (or two:TU: ) but will have to be sure and bring a box of Kleenex to try and help control the drool!:grin: Hope you are doing well and progressing more and more everyday. Will you be able to make it over to the show in a couple of weeks? If so I'm sure we'll "bump" into each other again and again and again.:laugh: Thanks again..:TU:
Kerry I will be the guy in the wheel chair. Geof and John told me they would push me around so I could go. I think they want My handycap sticker. Are you thinking of coming up to the Christmas party in Mi.If so let me know well find you space to sleep. Should be a hoot.
Here some latest updates on the block. It has passed all it's testing with flying colors, sonic, x-ray, and hardness check. Looks like at a 4.5 inch bore size, the thinnest cylinder wall thickness is still at .260, at the thinnest point. Another update is that the blocks will be powder coated black, there is a picture on my site now. This is something he ran across when looking into the best cleanup proceedures after casting. This is already being done in another engine program out there, if you don't like black, you can simply paint over it. The coating will not flake or chip. Another update is that it looks like the block will go with splayed bolt main caps, some buyers seem to feel this will give them even more peace of mind in the bottom end. Jim Burek P.A.E. ENTERPRISES www.paeenterprises.com
Cool.... No rust on the outside surfaces, ever!!! Cant wait to see one draped in aluminum accessories. :TU:
JB... WOW, this is very, very good news. Personally, I don't care if it is a tad heavier, it would have had to be anyways.... stock crank stroke + good rods + 4.500 bore = what??? :Brow: :bglasses: JH
