aluminum blocks

[MustangRoadRacer]

no, that is crazy r!ced out honda crap.
I put that in as a joke actually.
as far as aluminum being "stronger" than steel, no it is not, but that is to say the aluminum is not as strong as steel given the same mass, but because it weighs less, more of it can be used to make up the difference, and in the end, you have a lighter engine over all, with the same or nearly the same strength.
thankfully it is being used in chassis like the new Jag. It is very comperable to carbon fibre considering the price. honeycombed aluminum is up to 40% stronger than solid steel frames, and 60% lighter.

[454Casull]

I don't believe that. Honeycombed aluminum being 40% stronger than solid steel? Give me some more details.

[MustangRoadRacer]

actually I got the numbers reversed.
according to jaguar, the new frame is 92 kg lighter than the previous steel model. The result is a body that is 40 percent lighter and 60 percent stiffer than the previous model XJ8.
even more impressive actually.

[carguyinok]

Not that this has anything to do with Honeycombed aluminum. But more for the aluminum block end of things.
engine displacement 500 cubic inches
power 6000 horsepower at
8200 rpm
weight 2150 lbs.
wheelbase 300 in.
engine block Keith Black/Chrysler Hemi,
Stage 10, aluminum

[MustangRoadRacer]

that looks expensive!
top fuel I assume?

[carguyinok]

Yes that one was top fuel. But they use aluminum blocks in funny cars aswell. But when they let go......

[MustangRoadRacer]

yeah, that's a dangerous sport to say the least.
not formula 1 dangerous, but close.
Magnesium blocks are the next hot thing I'm hearing they are even lighter than aluminum with about the same charachteristics.
more expensive of course.

[carguyinok]

Magnesium blocks are the next hot thing I'm hearing they are even lighter than aluminum with about the same charachteristics.

I dont see that working out. Magnesium burns plus once it starts burning water only makes it burn hotter. Funny, but as I type this I see on the news theres a magnesium plant in Ohio thats on fire and its raining

[Holyterror]

The magnesium blocks you're hearing about are to made from a new alloy developed in Australia, called AMC-SC1. It's not reactive, at least not until molten, which is around 1200°F. So, magnesium alloy engine blocks - good; magnesium alloy turbo manifolds - maybe not. They won't be quite as strong as aluminum, but I would imagine that they would a girdle or something to make up for this. They won't be cheap either, but we're all willing to spend lots of money on other lightweight components, aren't we?

Aluminum vs. iron: iron is stronger, hands down. Aliuminum is lighter, yes. It is also a better conductor. Is it worth it? Well, that depends. I like to use this classic example:

The Nissan Silvia (similar to 240SX in this country) was, once-upon-a-time, powered by the CA18DET. 100% cast iron. The block was strong (although the stretch bolts weren't). The engine was expensive to build (thanks to variable intake inlets, direct ignition, etc.), so Nissan created the SR20DET. The new motor was all aluminum, but weighed nearly the same as the CA18. Why? Simple: to be as strong as the old motor, the SR20's block had to be made much thicker. In the end, the weight difference was negligable, the engine was much bigger, and only cheaper because of other design differences.

So, which is better? If you're running a lot of boost, take the detonation resistance of good 'ol iron. If weight savings are your top priority, wait for that magnesium alloy to hit the shelves. If you prioritize weight savings slightly lower, then go with aluminum.

[c a m a r o]

this is where i got the idea that aluminum is stronger.. www.cnblocks.com

[454Casull]

Where on that site? I can't find it...

[c a m a r o]

Originally Posted by 454Casull

Where on that site? I can't find it...

"These are the ultimate Small Block Chevrolet aluminum blocks. Our blocks are made from special forged aluminum billets. This means that our blocks are stronger than any cast aluminum blocks." oh.... he meant stronger than cast ALUMINUM blocks.

[MustangRoadRacer]

yeah, forged is stronger than cast.
that goes for all metals.

[Neutrino]

you guys forgot one thing...sleeving...some good alloy sleeves will make up somewhat up for a weaker aluminum block

[MustangRoadRacer]

true, but you must be careful of bimetal corrosion, because when two different metals come into direct contact with eachother (no paint, etc) you are asking for corrosion.