Is it better to go cast iron or all aluminum, i want to hear some opinions. Thanks
Which material is better?
MrCow350
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
All aluminum ... DAMMMM you must have some big pockets to even be able to ask that question... I guess if you can afford it all aluminum would give you a pretty decent weight advantage over the cast. I think next years Corvette will be pushing 550+ horse through their stock all aluminum engine (7+liters and its still a small block LOL).
Joined
·
8,373 Posts
Last months Hotrod said 650 HP with Corvettes' first ever super charger. You know what that means. Corvette always is kept at the 'top' by GM. The new Camaro is going to ROCK with right around 600 HP! Yep, you read it here first!
As for blocks, it doesn't matter much - besides weight savings which is worthwhile. The heads is where there are trade-offs. One point for cast heads is they hold heat in better which translates to better power tranfer. But heat is a contributor to detonation. As a result, you'll have to run slightly lower compression and / or timing with a cast head. By contrast, aluminum heads conduct heat better, which robs some power, but since you have fewer detonation problems with aluminum heads, you can run higher compression. In the long run, higher compression wins out over the heat power loss. Most aftermarket aluminum heads have thicker castings above the combustion chamber to help reduce some of the heat loss. In summary, cost, compression, and your intended application will make it worth considering which to go with.
Aluminum vs. Cast heads is one of those hot-button topics that is sure to generate lots of banter.
Aluminum vs. Cast heads is one of those hot-button topics that is sure to generate lots of banter.
Joined
·
3,223 Posts
Aluminum heads can be repaired after a catastrophe.
Cast heads are usually not repaired after a catastrophe because the repair itself usually fails rapidly. And that point is argued too, usually by machine shops that repair cast iron.
I told myself a few years ago to don't ever waste my money on cast iron heads again. I don't listen too good sometimes. Money, availability etc etc etc
Cast heads are usually not repaired after a catastrophe because the repair itself usually fails rapidly. And that point is argued too, usually by machine shops that repair cast iron.
I told myself a few years ago to don't ever waste my money on cast iron heads again. I don't listen too good sometimes. Money, availability etc etc etc
Dude those aren't my words they are chevy's look on their website they call that 7 liter monster a small block haha
After the Chevy engines in the Cad. and BOP cars fiasco years ago, GM has been VERY carefully NOT calling it a SB!!!
Newer version of the venerable SB, yes!! A SB, NO!!!
The only things about the LS- engines that are still SB are the lifter bore size and the bore spacings!! Go figure..
pdq67
Newer version of the venerable SB, yes!! A SB, NO!!!
The only things about the LS- engines that are still SB are the lifter bore size and the bore spacings!! Go figure..
pdq67
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
