aftermarket blocks .... cast iron...vs... aluminum

[e philpott]

on available aftermarket blocks , what are the pro's and con's on cast iron verses aluminum block on a 482 pump gas high performance street engines ??... ( assuming the Genisis iron block is still available and the only game in town )

..... and whats the big difference in the available aluminum blocks between brands ??

... and what is the weight difference between aluminum and iron blocks ??

[ScotiaFE]

An iron Genesis weighs about 250 lbs.
An aluminum Pond weighs in at a slight 120 lbs.

[fetorino]

For a pump gas motor there really is no reason to run a Shelby over a Pond.

The Shelby has some dual cross bolts and some longer length head studs That could benefit you if you were really pushing the envelope.  The Shelby also cost more and doesn't look like an original Ford Sideoiler.  I believe it also weighs a little more than the Pond Block.

[Drew Pojedinec]

If I were to buy one (ohh yes, and someday, it will happen...)
I'd go with the Genesis Iron.  I'd spend the extra cash on better heads, and would enjoy the larger bore capabilities/thicker walls.

For someone like Jay or a racer that rebuilds the engine frequently, I can see the aluminum making sense due to the ability to resleeve the block with ease.

[e philpott]

is there a big difference in the maching cost between all the different blocks ? ... or is one more cost effective than the other ??... or small beans and doesn't matter ??

[jayb]

One thing about aluminum blocks is that they tend to "move around" somewhat with use.  So, if you run them, then take them apart to bore or change to a different crank or something, you will end up having to align hone the block.  Cast iron blocks will not have this problem.  Also, every aluminum block I've ever purchased has needed an align hone from the start, despite what the manufacturer may way about the block being ready to run. 

I like them because you can re-sleeve them easily if something goes wrong or you want to reduce the bore size rather than increase it, and also because they save over 100 pounds compared to an iron block.  Also, they can be fixed much more easily than an iron block if something catastrophic happens.  But there's nothing wrong with going cast iron, IMO...

[e philpott]

has anybody seen a Pond iron block ??.... they show it on his web site ..... curiuos how it compares to the Genesis

[jayb]

I've got a Pond cast iron block, and I like it - very beefy, and really good caps.  I've never owned a Genesis cast iron block, so I can't really compare them side by side, but I would buy another Pond block if I was in the market for a cast iron one.

[e philpott]

is the iron block priced the same as his aluminum ??

[jayb]

I think I paid about $1000 less for the cast iron, around $3700 maybe?  You'd have to contact Robert to be sure.

[4twennyAint]

Is there any reason a Pond aluminum block should not be used for the street?  Thinking about it with a stroker kit, worked EDLBRK heads, hyd roller, and keep my C6 and 3.70 gear.

Thanks

[jayb]

I've run my Pond aluminum block for thousands of street miles with no problems.  No reason you can't run it on the street, IMO.

[hotrodfeguy]

Is there any reason a Pond aluminum block should not be used for the street?  Thinking about it with a stroker kit, worked EDLBRK heads, hyd roller, and keep my C6 and 3.70 gear.

Thanks

I think the new heads that Survival is worth checking into. I think Joe crane has them working over 300 CFM with CJ calves, and is about ready to open up to the larger valve size. My guess is thats where they will really show some colors. I think thats something I would look into before going the ED head route from scratch.

[philminotti]

From my experience, sample size of 1, the aluminum blocks do have a couple of things to be aware of.  Keep in mind that the bolt holes are NOT helicoiled...beware.   I had to redrill and tap one of the holes on the oil filter pad due to overagressive tightening on my part.  Again, my fault.  My aluminum E-brock heads were perfectly flat and my deck was well prepped but I had massive coolant leaks with Felpro 1020 gaskets.  The sleeves were not overly proud, so I can't really explain it.  I went to town with steel wool on the 1020's and put an entire can of Copperkote on the MF'ers.  No leaks at all since. 

The block is super cool though.  I love it.

phil

[BH107]

From what I'm told there isn't alot of options right now. Genesis is currently not in business, and Pond does not currently have cast iron blocks in stock. If you need something now its either Pond or Shelby aluminum, or find a good OEM block.