Would the orignal cast iron engine been a better choice?

[Saint_Spinner]

The aluminum one is 160 lbs. lighter than the cast iron one, but it seems that alot of cars with cast iron blocks (Supra, GNX) seem to be able to take ridiculous amounts of boost. If one decided to go the FI route, would an iron block have been a much better choice, or would it's weight just disqualify the possible gains?

 

[Early93Viper]

Nope the 160pds was worth it for us roadcourse guys.

 

[Bill B]

It's not as much the block material, as is how it is used. Aluminum block engines can hold plenty of boost, just ask Keith Black. As Colin Chapman said first you add lightness.

 

[Saint_Spinner]

It's not as much the block material, as is how it is used. Aluminum block engines can hold plenty of boost, just ask Keith Black.

wow. I didn't know that. I always thought that aluminum wasn't quite as strong as iron. If the JZ block (Supra) was made of aluminum, do you think it would be as fast as it is today (modded, ofcourse)?

Regarding the road coarse guys, yeah, I completely forgot about that . Let's say if the car was meant to be a drag car. Given the choice to those that drag their cars, would you choose an iron or aluminum block (if you intend of adding boost). Just curious that's all...just trying to figure out the benefits of iron vs. aluminum.

 

[Hostile]

Top Fuel and Funnycars run aluminum blocks with
very high boost and Nitro.The blocks seem to
survive till a rotating part windows them(explosion)
then it is the steel that fails first.

Skeeter

 

[hemibeep]

the viper alum block and truck iron block are completely different other than displacement. Not interchangeable.

Also, if an iron block cracks, it is an anchor....alum can be repaired.

Seems like those who make a ton of power have more problems with tranny/axle shafts than the actual motor.

 

[REDSLED]

So Saint, have you gotten your Viper yet? What's the hold up?