groovyjay

Hi there, I've been toying with the idea of aluminum big block for too long and now it's time to finally make it happen. I decided to build a killer motor instead of new project car. So I trully hope you guys could give me some pointers to get started, OR if some of you already has good receipe and is willing to share it that would be the best. What kinda bore/strokes should I be looking at? Raised heads, cam etc? Deck height? Heads? Where to get the bits and bobs? Donovan? Bill Mitchell? What EFI I should use?
The motor should be streetable and run on pump gas make no less than 800hp/700tq.

So let's hear it from you guys who've been there. At this point I'm very open to suggestions.

L8er Jay :steering:

gkull

IMO The cost of aluminum isn't worth the gain. My friend runs a Keith black in his Alky blown 555 ci. Those high strength blocks are only required in 2000 hp motors
http://www.flatlanderracing.com It seems to me sells some monster short blocks Clear out to 632 cubic inch. That for sure would make your power requirements

I was wrong 639 ci http://www.crateengine.net


[Modified by gkull, 3:31 PM 6/20/2003]

norvalwilhelm

I have an article from Bill Mitchell about his 632 monsters that he sells for $25,000 American. It is worth it to get 700-800 horse? This is also a steel motor not aluminum.

redvetracr

Jay,
"IF" your car is as light as it can be then an aluminum block might help BUT I think you will make more hp with a steel "big M". ..redvetracr

metal tech

Donavan makes 3 different BBC series, 500, 700, & 800. 500 can be 9.8-10.3 deck height, 632 max cid, optional 4.9 & 5.0 bore space. 700 11.0-11.625 deck, 750 cid max @ 4.84 bore space (factory GM), shorter deck optional. 800 11.0-12 deck, 5.0 bore space, max cid 800 or so. All 3 can be had with either full water jackets, 1/2 jackets or solid (race only) jackets. Last $$ I saw for a 500 was around $4700. Just my .02, but a good strong 540 would be able to blow the tires off at 100mph. The new Merlin Lite's are out now, not sure of $$ but another choice. http://www.donovanengineering.com


[Modified by metal tech, 9:21 PM 6/20/2003]

632C2

If you can afford it go with an aluminum block. Just my $.02 worth. The numbers you are wanting are very easily attainable with the right parts AND on pump gas. Just look at what I have.

Steve

Flareside

Raising the bar again, huh Jay? Gotta love a man with ambition!

IMO, the first thing you'll have to decide on is what hood you're willing to run. To build a monster BB that can breath, you'll need a tall deck block and even taller intake. I've never seen an L-88 style hood that will cover that type of stuff, so you'll be in custom hi-rise territory here. Holley sells some nice tall deck EFI manifolds that you can look at for measurements.

If you decide to go with the stock height Merlin Lite aluminum block, you'll have to keep the displacement somewhere between 540 and 565 or so, depending on your final bore size. The tall decks will get you to around 632. Any of these engines will want good heads, and that will mean raised exhaust ports, so you're in custom header territory no matter what. A tall deck block combined with raised port heads will definitely create a challenge for your header guy!

Can't wait to hear what you decide on.

redvetracr

"Merlin lite" ?? what does that block weight??

Taijutsu

If the car is going to handle well enough to use all that HP, an aluminum engine will be needed. I have never heard anyone on this forum dispute that the extra weight of a BB hurts handleing. In a straight line, who cares. To TRY to use all that power will require a balanced chassis. JMHO
Rick

metal tech

They should be close to the Donovan's. 500 series 140lb, 700 series 170lb, and 800 series 180lb (similiar to Merlin Superblock 11.625). These #'s are within 7-12lb depending on options.

groovyjay

Thanks guys for all your replys, I'm currently in NJ waiting to join the NJ caravan to BG tomorrow morning. I will give this more thought when I get back home. I might make a little detour on my way back and buy an aluminum block to get started, do you guys think I could take it to the plane as a hand luggage :confused: :lol: :lolg: :steering:

bowtie racing

Groovy, just say NO to cast iron!

OatBoy

personally i would ditch the aluminum block unless ur rich, and go with maybe a blown 540 or something more along those lines rather than an aluminum 632, my thoughts.