Aluminum block longevity

Night Shifter

Well-Known Member

Dec 24, 2005

1,710

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59

Daytona

Mar 23, 2010

#1

• Mar 23, 2010

• #1

are aluminum blocks just as reliable as an iron block in a long term run? i was told they dont last as long but i figured if you had a well built one that was only supporting about 450hp and you didnt beat on it all the time it would last the same as an iron block built the same way..

am i wrong

 

Night Shifter

Well-Known Member

Dec 24, 2005

1,710

27

59

Daytona

Mar 23, 2010

#2

• Mar 23, 2010

• #2

aluminum block reliablility

are aluminum blocks just as reliable as an iron block in a long term run? i was told they dont last as long but i figured if you had a well built one that was only supporting about 450hp and you didnt beat on it all the time it would last the same as an iron block built the same way..

am i wrong

 

EPIK

Member

Jul 3, 2004

796

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16

LEFT COAST

Mar 23, 2010

#3

• Mar 23, 2010

• #3

The Ford aluminum blocks are pretty stout from what I have seen. The Teksid blocks that were used in the 96-98 Cobra are supposed to handle up to 1000hp, & the later WAP block used in the Mach 1's & 3V mustangs are more than able to handle what you have planned. There is a very reputible local shop that builds all their motors using the current Ford aluminum blocks, & most of their builds are pushing 600+ rwhp with no issues.... Plus the aluminum block is quite a bit lighter which is a huge plus IMO...

 

S

san~man

O-G

Founding Member

Nov 29, 1999

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78

A little grass shack on a big lava rock

Mar 24, 2010

#4

• Mar 24, 2010

• #4

merged your two threads.

 

N

ninjastang125

New Member

Nov 1, 2008

591

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0

maryland

Mar 24, 2010

#5

• Mar 24, 2010

• #5

I'm running an aluminum block but only pushing maybe 300 hp with cams, but I beat on this thing as much as I can down the track. I also know a guy around here that has a aluminum block 4v car on motor that has had 422 hp and has had no issues out of it. Are you planning to find an aluminum block or buy a ford racing short block?

 

bhuff30

Founding Member

Dec 11, 2001

6,037

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129

Olathe KS

Mar 24, 2010

#6

• Mar 24, 2010

• #6

The Teksid block is rediculously strong and will hold 1000+rwhp. These blocks do have steel liners so the pistons aren't directly in contact with aluminum.

The later aluminum blocks aren't quite as strong, but will still hold up to about any street combo you want to build (thinking up to 6-800hp). If you are really worried about it, then find a block that doesn't need to be bored over.