Aluminum Block
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
Brodix are some impressive pieces for sure. They're the block of choice for most sportsman classes. They run around 6 grand. I won't have a whole lot more than that in mine and it's a CNC Bowtie model. Dart's coming out with a cast one as well as a billet CNC block. There's a chunk of change! They save you about 100lbs, depending on bore. Unless you're after every .01 second and/or handling, they're not really very economical.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,892
Likes: 13
From: Pettis Performance 565 with two stages of Nitrous Supply nitrous 1.082, 4.61 at 155, 7.17 at 192
Brodix are some impressive pieces for sure. They're the block of choice for most sportsman classes. They run around 6 grand. I won't have a whole lot more than that in mine and it's a CNC Bowtie model. Dart's coming out with a cast one as well as a billet CNC block. There's a chunk of change! They save you about 100lbs, depending on bore. Unless you're after every .01 second and/or handling, they're not really very economical.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
Here's a bit of info on the ZL-1 block:
12370850 ZL1 Aluminum Big Block
The Chevrolet ZL1 Aluminum Big Block is back and better than ever. This block was first introduced in the 1969 Corvette and Camaro. It was one of the rarest production engines ever built. Now the improved version is available. This block is based on the original tooling. The new casting is made from 356-T6M aluminum alloy and has a 4.118" cast iron liner that can be bored to 4.300". The bottom end has also been improved with new four-bolt splayed steel main caps, with dowel pins to locate and hold the caps in place. This block includes screw-in freeze plugs with o-ring seals, and a two-piece rear seal. The new block has a provision for both dry sump or regular oil pump systems and mechanical fuel pump. All GM performance cylinder heads will fit this block and it only weighs 110 lbs. The maximum stroke is 4.375".
12370850 ZL1 Aluminum Big Block
The Chevrolet ZL1 Aluminum Big Block is back and better than ever. This block was first introduced in the 1969 Corvette and Camaro. It was one of the rarest production engines ever built. Now the improved version is available. This block is based on the original tooling. The new casting is made from 356-T6M aluminum alloy and has a 4.118" cast iron liner that can be bored to 4.300". The bottom end has also been improved with new four-bolt splayed steel main caps, with dowel pins to locate and hold the caps in place. This block includes screw-in freeze plugs with o-ring seals, and a two-piece rear seal. The new block has a provision for both dry sump or regular oil pump systems and mechanical fuel pump. All GM performance cylinder heads will fit this block and it only weighs 110 lbs. The maximum stroke is 4.375".
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Michael S. Palmer
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,922
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Here's a bit of info on the ZL-1 block:
12370850 ZL1 Aluminum Big Block
The Chevrolet ZL1 Aluminum Big Block is back and better than ever. This block was first introduced in the 1969 Corvette and Camaro. It was one of the rarest production engines ever built. Now the improved version is available. This block is based on the original tooling. The new casting is made from 356-T6M aluminum alloy and has a 4.118" cast iron liner that can be bored to 4.300". The bottom end has also been improved with new four-bolt splayed steel main caps, with dowel pins to locate and hold the caps in place. This block includes screw-in freeze plugs with o-ring seals, and a two-piece rear seal. The new block has a provision for both dry sump or regular oil pump systems and mechanical fuel pump. All GM performance cylinder heads will fit this block and it only weighs 110 lbs. The maximum stroke is 4.375".
12370850 ZL1 Aluminum Big Block
The Chevrolet ZL1 Aluminum Big Block is back and better than ever. This block was first introduced in the 1969 Corvette and Camaro. It was one of the rarest production engines ever built. Now the improved version is available. This block is based on the original tooling. The new casting is made from 356-T6M aluminum alloy and has a 4.118" cast iron liner that can be bored to 4.300". The bottom end has also been improved with new four-bolt splayed steel main caps, with dowel pins to locate and hold the caps in place. This block includes screw-in freeze plugs with o-ring seals, and a two-piece rear seal. The new block has a provision for both dry sump or regular oil pump systems and mechanical fuel pump. All GM performance cylinder heads will fit this block and it only weighs 110 lbs. The maximum stroke is 4.375".
That would be a 160lb weight savings over by Mark IV block which weighed in at 270lb for the block & caps.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington NC
So what you are saying is the money that you will spend on these blocks is not worth the weight I will save? That is my main reason for wanting one. Definitely don't want to buy one and it not be worth the xtra cash
-Shark Mann
-Shark Mann
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
...redvetracr
I'm confused. If you are not racing this car for profit, how would you ever recoup any "savings" from having an aluminum block rather than an iron one?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington NC
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,209
Likes: 12
From: Montgomery Alabama
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Do the small block 350 with a 383 stroker kit, and some good aluminum heads. 400 to 500 HP is doable. And you can change the plugs without hiring an 8-year-old to do them for you.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
