[DeTomaso] Aluminum 351 Block

[adin at frontier.net]

Dan, thanks as always for the comprehensive update!

Maybe I'm out of the loop . . .

4 bolt mains on this Buttermore block?

Aluminum w/ iron sleeves?

best,

David in Durango



Quoting Daniel C Jones <daniel.c.jones2 at gmail.com>:

>> Did you guys know Dart makes aluminum 351c blocks
>
> As others have pointed out, the Dart, World and Ford Motorsport blocks are
> essentially Windsor designs.  They are available in 9.2" or 9.5" deck heights
> (some blocks also available in 8.2" and 8.7" deck heights) with either
> 351W or 351C main diameters (some also available with 302 mains).  They all
> take 351W timing covers, water pumps, oil pumps, oil pans and have Windsor
> end seal shapes (351C intakes won't seal).  Cleveland style heads will bolt
> on but the blocks have Windsor type coolant routing so you need modify
> Cleveland heads for coolant flow.  The Ford Motorsport high port heads
> were designed for either coolant routing.
>
>> They make 9.2" deck blocks, but they aren't usually in stock.  You can find
>> 9.5" deck blocks in aluminum all the time on ebay.  I've only seen one 9.2"
>> deck aluminum block, and it was in a Pantera.
>
> 9.2" deck blocks with 351C mains are popular in cast iron as that's what is
> run in many of NASCAR type classes.  The lower deck height is preferred since
> it has a lower CG and the smaller mains have less bearing friction and lower
> bearing speed.  Those classes don't permit aluminum blocks so you don't see
> that combination as often.
>
>> Reportedly the Ford Motorsport aluminum block is superior to both the DART
>> and Fontana blocks for a variety of reasons, and it also is about $1500
>> cheaper, but it is perennially on back-order.
>
> I had not heard that.  In fact, I'd heard the Dart blocks were typically
> cheaper out the door because there was less finish machining.  In any
> event, be aware that many of the Ford Motorsport blocks are dry sump
> (or external wet sump) designs.
>
>> Are you referring to only Dart blocks, or all aluminum blocks?  I   
>> think there
>> are a lot of 9.2 deck Fontana blocks around and I suspect they are in stock
>> to pick up if you want one.  I think Joe Fontana made them originally for
>> sprint cars, but said most are now in Panteras and Mustangs.
>
> The Fontana is more of a hybrid design, sharing more 351C features and parts.
> If you want one, there may be a limited supply.  I've been told that Fontana
> recently sold the tooling to Shelby who has modified the blocks with a 351W
> oil pan rail, a one piece rear main seal, a CS logo and, likely, a higher
> price tag.
>
>> I thought all the SBF blocks & heads were mix and match as long as you get
>> the water flow right?
>
> Yes.
>
>> I think the Nascar guys went from 351C mains (2.75) to 302 mains   
>> (2.25) to ???
>> mains (2.00).
>
> Are you thinking of Honda journals?  If so, those are for the rod journals,
> not the crank mains.
>
>> If you download the spec sheet, it says it takes a 351W timing cover.
>> Hmm, sounds like a Windsor with Cleveland mains to me. :)
>
> Yup.
>
> Tod Buttermore's 351C blocks are still in work.  I recently sold my XE iron
> race block and a set of titanium valves and placed a deposit on one of his
> aluminum 351C blocks.  He's made a couple of test blocks and claims to be
> 4 to 6 weeks out from delivering the first blocks to a couple of pro engine
> builders for testing.  One of the blocks is going to be used for a 1600 HP
> twin turbo engine so that should be a good stress test.  I'm hoping my
> block will be ready in time for the dyno program but I expect the delivery
> date to slide.  These things always take longer than planned.  If you are
> willing to accept the risk, his price on the first batch of aluminum blocks
> is $2600 ($2100 for iron), much cheaper than any other Ford aftermarket
> aluminum block, but I've got to believe his price on the aluminum blocks
> will rise in the future.  BTW, these are true 351C design blocks (with an
> improved priority main oiling system) and accept all 351C parts (heads,
> intakes, water pumps, oil pans, etc.).
>
> Dan Jones
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