Aluminum 427 Small Block Gen I

[Steve Chryssos]

Originally Posted by Fastbowtie

.........This engine will be used as a daily driver and be taken on long trips, hopefully Power Tour....

Gen 1 aluminum blocks move around a lot--like a boneless chicken. That means inferior ring seal that could cause minor smoking and cylinder wall washing. Not a problem for race cars but annoying on a true street car such as the application you described. Sux to be sitting in traffic with 15lbs oil pressure at idle because the engine is hot and clearances have opened up. It's not the end of the world, just be prepared for some embarrassing blue smoke and more frequent rebuilds. That's why GM never offered OE aluminum blocks in vettes until the LS stuff arrived. It took a total redesign to achieve a warranty ready aluminum block.

If you absolutely gotta have an aluminum block, go LSx or pick the block that has the most reinforcing ribs and the thickest bulkheads. Then build the motor tight as Rocket stated--That will cost you some power, but you'll be happier in the long run.

And there's no sense price shopping a Dart block since you'll spend extra for the one off parts. Just bite the bullet and hand your wallet to your engine builder.