[DeTomaso] Aluminum 351 Block

Wed Feb 20 14:14:47 EST 2008

You can see more about this interesting block at:

http://www.network54.com/Forum/136503/thread/1199046817/Links+to+Tod+Buttermore%27s+Cleveland+Block+Posts

Plans are for both aluminum and cast iron versions.

I am eagerly awaiting more info about this block. I would not mind 
having a block for a long term build project.

Thomas

adin at frontier.net skrev:
> 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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Real life:   Thomas Törnblom             Email:  Thomas.Tornblom at Hax.SE
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