GM's aluminum 60* engine block...

[sharkey]

i couldnt remember who it was that had the prototype stuff. they tried to sell it all to me a couple years ago for some outragious amount of money. iirc, it did have the large mains but the heads were still 1.6/1.3 valves. iirc, it was 250hp turbo, wich in the mid 80s would have easily made it as quick as a vette or grand national

[Ortie666]

the large mains!! aluminum prototype!! whoa.. Ill take 2!! But too bad they put the starter boss on the wrong side.., that block looks intence tho the way the shell is molded around the cylenders

[bszopi]

The actual Bow Tie block has bosses drilled on both side.

[Ortie666]

ya, I would like to figure out if they will make one that can be bored to over 3.4Ls ever

[AaronGTR]

I think it was already determined that you could bore it out that big, but it's not recommend unless you resleeve the block because the cylinder walls get too thin and could distort under high power loads. Thought I read that on here somewhere anyway...

[RedBird]

i rather enjoyed looking through those pics, especially when it came to #25

[RacerX11]

There is no reason to use the aluminum block unless you are desperate for weight savings. The gen3 and newer iron blocks have the same oiling system upgrades, and nobody is failing the iron blocks due to too much power. Until that happens, you can spend your $3k more wisely.

[geoffinbc]

But it is the only block that will bolt into a RWD chassis, use a RWD starter location and then allow you to run a roller cam. All without modification. Could you do all that fabrication and machine work and parts buying for 3K? Yes I supose for some it is possible

You also have the option of boring and re sleeving the block to make it as larger than 3.4L. Plus you get 4 bolt mains aswell.

If you really want something unique it is the way to fly. Otherwise there are obviously more budget concious ways. But whatever its just a hobby we all love to throw money at.

[Azrael]

I remember a decade ago there was a buzz that everyone would soon be driving cars with engines where the core components were made of ceramics (a single person could pick up a bare block). I wonder whatever happened to that?

[geoffinbc]

$$$. The technology is out there to make it happen. Also alot of people are scared of it. They think ceramics and they think clay pots LOL.

[sharkey]

i dont think the roller cam arguement is a way to justify using this block. for the power gains you get from a hydralic roller over a flat tappet cam isnt worth it. why not just upgrade to a solid roller instead, as it would allow high rpm (hydralic lifters usualy arent good much passed 7k).

realy this block is a race block. it is meant for high hp levels and using big $$$ parts in. the iron blocks are holding up fine at 471hp (turboz24). yes 4 bolt mains are nice, but its not like we are getting crank walk or cracking main webs. honestly i never realy understood why gm made this block. there are so few people that actualy need to use it.

[Ortie666]

Ya well no one really NEEDS anything, This block would help being on a mission for 1900lb 450hp car and being olny 90lbs off its quite tempting, but like was said earlier no one has Effed a block from too much "power" so I mays well try 450 from a 3.4 first and if that works than move to the aluminum block, This block for me is not If but When forsure!!

[geoffinbc]

i dont think the roller cam arguement is a way to justify using this block. for the power gains you get from a hydralic roller over a flat tappet cam isnt worth it. why not just upgrade to a solid roller instead, as it would allow high rpm (hydralic lifters usualy arent good much passed 7k).

I know I already said it was not woth the money for some. Even if you use a solid roller where do the lifters come from? That is the big problem. I think turbo had his made for him did he not?

I don't have any plans to use this block. But who knows if I walk across some money to blow I might consider it.

[TurboZ24]

I believe that Crower says they will now make the lifters, at least they told Juiced (Dan) that. I know mine were from Crane, but apparently they no longer make them. I also believe schneider also has them.

[Ortie666]

do these lifters fit in the stock tray, or can u get them with the bars that go across every 2 lifters?? also is it high maintnence with the solid rollers??