Does anyone know if the specs and measurements of an aluminum block would be the same as a cast iron block? I think I was reading in HPP a little while back about someone (I wanna say Butler) was making an all aluminum Pontiac Block. I am sure it is very expensive. However, if anyone could point me in the direction of the specs of an aluminum block would be...or even better, a drawing (CAD or otherwise). That would be great...just checking something out that I found, if the results are interesting...then I will post them here.

David

I bet that you will have a hard time getting a print or program for someones special aluminum block. I know GM guards all their prints and programs. You could probably find a print at the patent office.
Jim

True...I kind of didnt think about that. Well, I mean I did in a way, thinking that obviously aluminum has different properties than iron and thus design probably is effected. I kind of wanted to just see how much it would cost to have just the block cut. Not that I can afford it, I guess just out of curiousity.

More so...my brother found this interesting article on cnn.com about this company called Emachineshop.com that does such jobs for supposedly less than a regular machine shop. I dont know...just bored. No freakin work all week long

Regardless...this site might interest someof yall...because they can fabricate most anything...so maybe some of those hard to find parts could be drawn up and made for cheap. Heck, maybe as a community, since prices are in bulk, we could go in on stuff. Anyways...just thoughts.

David

David, i went into the site you listed. very interesting. It seems like there is alot of stuff they can do. i plan on looking more into that site. Thanx for the listing of it.
Wade

Butler is in the process of producing an aluminum block that will have all the stock mounting locations. Give them a call to determine timing/availability. They have already completed the aluminum RA IV intake manifold that is dimensionally and appearance wise correct.

Tom

Escrimador...no problem! I already downloaded the free software and was tooling around with it...but I am a recording engineer, not a mechanical one haha. But it is very interesting, like you said. Perhaps there some parts not being reporduced that as a community we can get done for cheap. One thing I LOVE about this site is how tight it is and pro it is. SO much less bickering and lame bantar than other pontiac sites.

trmjr1...I could only wish that I could afford one of their engines! Heck, I cant even start my car right now haha!

David

Indian Adventures has had an all aluminum aftermarket Pontiac block out for awhile. They are putting the finishing touches on Version II:

Chief Many Horses

There's more information about the IA II block over at Spott's Performance including pricing.

Spotts Performance

Cool! thanks for the links,

David

David, that emachineshop really does look like a great site. Another thanks for the listing.

Do any of you have an opinion on Spotts Performance? Looks like they are in driving distance from me.

Bob, I have only heard good things about them (on PY board), no personal experience though..

Same here. Nothing but praise from people over at CP. From what I read - he would be my engine builder of choice if I lived as close as you do.

I purchased a couple of items from them recently and the experience was pleasent.

Thanks. Glad to know they have a good rep. I'll probably look them up when I'm ready to do motor stuff.

The IA 2 block is actually not aluminum and it's no longer made by Indian Adventures either. The IA name for the block was acquired by All Pontiac who is making the improved IA 2 version. It's a special iron alloy (sorry I forgot the specifics here). Spotts was one of about five Pontiac engine builders chosen to perform a build-up of five intial production blocks in order to provide feedback to All Pontiac. The AP guys are long time Pontiac racers that jumped in to make sure a block was available to all. It's a great success from everything I've read even though it's their first venture. Kaufman Racing Equipment is scheduled to release a similar block later this year and as mentioned earlier, Butler Performance will be releasing an Al block. The AP and KRE blocks are/will be going for just under $3k. The Al block will command substantially more of course.

John

Cool...glad some of yall were into that emachineshop. Like I said, could come in handy for all of us if we need something that isnt being reproduced.

David