It can be done but it is expensive. The SML and SMX from Steve Morris start as a block of billet aluminum and they machine the water jackets that then take plates to cover the water jackets and hoses to circulate the water. So they end up with 2 hoses for each head and 2 hoses for each bank of cylinders for a total of 8 hoses and a remote electric water pump.

 

A no water GM block likely means the water passages have been filled with block filler. OE blocks had water passages cast in, none were billet aluminum.

A partial block fill would not be unusual for Super Stock - it can stiffen the block but there is a limit to how much can be used for a street engine.

 

This doesn’t have even freeze plugs. Just solid. Thinking super stock or can am back in the day.

 

Is this a GM block or aftermarket billet?

I know GM made created some crazy Can Am aluminum blocks for racing but these were cast and had water jackets. Some had no sleeves - development for the early Vega engines that were real oil burners..... If GM had a solid cast aluminum block I'd like to learn more about it.

 

They did, at least one. If I can get info I will. I want one , Gm winters block but with out water jackets I can’t use it,

 

You might want to post this at Team Chevelle, lots of BB experts there.

 

Top fuel cars use billet blocks. Like Alan Johnson Engineering & others manufacture. Good for 50 runs on average, more if lucky, assuming the block can be repaired when required, average is around 20 repairs during the life of the block. What would you possibly do with an aluminum billet raw casting block?

 

It’s a bbc zl1 winters block. No water ever cast or machined into it.
Not good for me as it is. Was hoping I could machine some how so it takes coolant

 

Simple answer is - No you can't machine water jackets into a block that was cast solid. It would be cheaper to buy another block, even an original ZL-1 block.

 

Thx, it’s on racing junk. Just do zl1 block it comes up. It’s new too. If I wanted drag car only I would grab it.
Been looking for a long time. I can live with the newer one Gm made. If anyone knows of any.

 

The Dart Big M aluminum block lacks the snowflake but is a far superior piece to the old or new GM ZL1 block if you are assembling a road car. None are very affordable.

 

Ohio crank
sells 540 ci
alum bill mitchell block with Ohio cranks own crank and rods. Decent pistons and bearings just under 10 k
Still good money though but all alum looks cool