Author Topic: I was wondering if there would be any reason(s) to not run an aluminum spacer  (Read 2347 times)

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Qikbbstang

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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?
« Last Edit: August 21, 2015, 09:07:01 PM by Qikbbstang »

Joe-JDC

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Aluminum was available for a while, but it has the tendency to wear where the seal rubs, and leaks.  Joe-JDC
Joe-JDC '70GT-500

427Fastback

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Aluminum weighs 1/3 what steel does...The spacer would have to be hard anodized to tolerate the seal..Very,very few are anodized..
1968 Mustang Fastback...427 MR 5spd (owned since 1977)
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Barry_R

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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.