Dr L-88

Has anyone ever seen or heard of magnesium or aluminum small blocks (283 / 327) cast by GM and or Mickey Thompson? I know GM installed some aluminum 377's in the Grand Sports and Chaparrals ran some aluminum engines.

devildog

Rex, this is nearly no help, but maybe simulate someone else memory. In the past two years I saw an old interview of Duntov himself from about 1960-65 in which he was talking about a short run (100-500??) blocks to have for performance/test Corvettes.

I am 99% positive because he was discussing Si content in the alloy, etc.

Joe

K2

I remember seeing one on E-Bay a few years ago. I believe it was a 283. It went for pretty big bucks as I recall. I'll have to look in my archives, I might have saved it.

provette67

Jack Podell had one for sale for several years

Viking427

jim lockwood

Rex,

I'd have to say it's a definite "maybe". Here are some pictures from a long ago swap meet. The notable thing is that the block has a later casting number than the 0-172978 typically seen on aluminum 283 blocks (of which several there are several still in existance), but not as late as the casting number typically associated with the aluminum 327 blocks.







Jim

provette67

I agree.I have a pair of the aluminum heads that I bought over 20yrs ago.

bobsor

The Duntov CERV-1 project developed an aluminum 283; the following is from a Chevrolet press release;
CERV (Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle).

CERV I was developed between 1959-60 by Zora Arkus Duntov as a functional open-wheeled race car, with Larry Shinoda and Tony Lapine doing the design work.

Duntov developed CERV 1 as a platform for engineers to develop and refine Chevrolet body, chassis and suspension systems. Its impressive performance on the test track drove him to have higher aspirations, the checkered flag at Indy. Due to a ban on racing by Chevrolet at the time, Duntov was unable to compete. Duntov drove The CERV 1's demo laps at the U.S. Grand Prix in 1960.

The CERV-I was originally equipped with a 283CID/350HP, small block V8 engine, weighing only 350 lbs. Intensive use of aluminum and magnesium engine components saved over 175 lbs.

Complementing its lightweight powerplant, designer, Larry Shinoda constructed CERV 1’s body structure out of FRP, which weighed in at only 80 lbs.

The body structure was attached to a rigid 125 lb. chrome-molybdenum tube constructed frame, welded in a truss-like configuration. Combining these lightweight components helped the CERV-I's 96" wheelbase weigh in at 1,600 lbs.

CERV-I’s chassis features a four-wheel independent suspension with a unique rear multilink system (similar to systems used today). Front suspension uses independent, variable rate springs with shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. Rear suspension uses independent multilink, variable rate springs, with “double-acting� shock absorbers. Wheels are cast magnesium alloy.

Steering is recirculating ball type with 12:1 ratio.

The brake system uses front disc/rear drum (similar system to 1960 HD), with a two-piston master cylinder to eliminate the chance of complete brake failure.

Fuel was delivered via two rubber bladder fuel cells (20 gal. total capacity).

Fuel injected small block technology was developed using the CERV 1. For even greater performance, Duntov refitted the CERV-I with its current 377 cu. in. aluminum small block, an advanced Rochester fuel injection system and Indy-style tires and wheels. To match this mechanical updating, Shinoda redesigned its streamlined body structure for greater aerodynamics.

Top Speed: 206 mph.

Today the CERV-I appears in this second-generation form. It’s owned by Mike Yager, President of Mid America Designs, and is part of the Mid America Designs car collection.

http://www.conceptcarposter.com/gm_i...tte_CERV_I.jpg

Photo Credit (and to obtain a poster) (http://www.conceptcarposter.com/)

[GM Media Press Release, November 6, 1997]

Dr L-88

Thanks everyone, especially Viking427 and Jim Lockwood, for the valuable information and photos. I had "heard rumors" of a magnesium block floating around and wanted to pursue it for my collection of "weird" stuff. If anyone knows the where abouts of one of the mag or aluminum blocks, please let me know and thanks in advance for your consideration.
Rex

bobsor

Gerber Motorsport, 4021 22nd Ave West, Seattle, WA 206-352-6911, has a 283 aluminum block, unused, in their warehouse. It's part of the Goodman collection, see http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71106

Dr L-88

Bump this thread for further discussion.............................

Vette Daddy

Jack Poddel's daughter had an aluminum small block for sale in the Driveline for a long time. Can't remember the whole origin but it was a 50's 283, if I remember correctly.

DZAUTO

John Neas #4 SR2 has a 4in bore alum block with the Winters foundry snowflake.
The block sat in the corner of the garage at his house for such a long time that I never believed it would get built. It did. Unfortunately, it never occured to me to take a picture of the bare block on the garage floor. It's now a 350 with aftermarket alum heads and an FI unit that I built for it. Killer engine!

IGO200

We had at least one AL small block at Shadow. I remember it sitting in a rack of stuff from 1969-70 projects from before we got the 495's. I was always looking for an opportunity to see if I could just "clean out all that ole stuff" and take it home. Don't know what happened to it.

Dr L-88

My friend Bud Gates raced that car at one time..................

kustom_izer

I have been trying to find info on an engine I bought from a guy that was using it as a coffee table! And seeing this post shed more light on it! It is aluminum or mag not sure but the casting is 3-4-59 and 0-172978 with twin air research turbos.

Dr L-88

I replied to your PM.

Thanks,
Rex

dland

I know where the the above engine is, I have a freind who has one never used with the weber side drafts
alum steel engine plus adjustable pressure gage
with head 024 Rt 0 222 859 and LH head milled .038 22 62572 and timing cover

Moon intake and 7 rib valve covers and chromed started cellunoid

If interested in information email me and I will let them know, and if it is not gone shortly

I believe is is 1 of 2 known of 100 that still exists

solidaxel

Subscribed !

kustom_izer

Is the engine in Cali? I am still trying to find info on my motor. And would love to see and compare it to mine. Might shed some light on my motor!