[Pragmatist]

So, are there reasons to prefer iron?

Thanx, guys!

Only if you're turbo charging it.....

 

[Pragmatist]

You and I are in a similar circumstance. About ten years ago I had a 380 SBC built for my 67 with a 700R4 to keep the revs down. It is a great engine, however even with Holley Fuel injection it had horrible gas mileage. What's worse at the time I couldn't find a 3.75 crank for a one piece seal block. I was told a simple adapter would allow me to run a two piece crank in a one piece block. Well it works fine for racing but for the street it leaks like a sieve. I bought another crank designed for the one piece block and do plan to have it swapped out but I didn't want t wait so I had an aluminum 5.3 built with mild cam, CNC ported heads and total seal rings. Because I'm sure I know more than the next guy, I had the best local builder put it all together and bolted to my TKX 5 speed. I think I would have saved $$$$ buying a crate package.😒

 

[Pragmatist]

Out with the old and in with the new! I shouldn't be complaining. I have never been able to buy crate motors cause I'm so picky with what I want. And that costs $$$ 😁 I knew if I were ever to add some boostI would want total seal rings. I also wanted just a slight overbore so I could say I have a 327. 😁

 

[Pragmatist]

If i had an unlimited budget, I’d probably go aluminum myself. For most folks I think that the few thousand dollars you can save on an iron block would be better spent into other upgrades.

I bought my 5.3 aluminum block for $400.00 Then I bought an iron block engine and switched everything over. I wanted the lightest front clip I could produce. My next engine will be a V6 from a 2017 Camaro. 320HP and the lightest of all. Then I add my GT45 turbo and call it done. 😁