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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: Qikbbstang on August 21, 2015, 08:57:52 PM

Title: I was wondering if there would be any reason(s) to not run an aluminum spacer
Post by: Qikbbstang on August 21, 2015, 08:57:52 PM

with the common steel sleeve at the timing cover seal surface instead of the production iron/steel FE crank spacer? .... There's always folks whittling on cranks to reduce weight and even going as far as machining a daisy pattern out of the rear flange to reduce weight.
At 1lb 4.5oz for a production spacer I presume you could shed around a pound by using creative machining and aluminum? ....I believe by the book it would require re-balance on a retrofit or perhaps the aluminum spacer could be counterweighted when machined.  You pay big bucks for an aluminum or carbon fiber driveshaft so why not?

Title: Re: I was wondering if there would be any reason(s) to not run an aluminum spacer
Post by: Joe-JDC on August 21, 2015, 11:11:36 PM

Aluminum was available for a while, but it has the tendency to wear where the seal rubs, and leaks.  Joe-JDC

Title: Re: I was wondering if there would be any reason(s) to not run an aluminum spacer
Post by: 427Fastback on August 22, 2015, 12:08:18 AM

Aluminum weighs 1/3 what steel does...The spacer would have to be hard anodized to tolerate the seal..Very,very few are anodized..

Title: Re: I was wondering if there would be any reason(s) to not run an aluminum spacer
Post by: Barry_R on August 22, 2015, 07:34:21 AM

The Blue Thunder ones are hard anodized and seem to work OK.
We have been making aluminum ones that incorporate the "stainless repair sleeve" as a wear surface.
I still prefer steel.