I don't know if anyone has talked about this yet, but gm performance does sell an aluminum 3.1 liter block and I was wondering what are the pros and cons of an aluminum engine :?:

http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/gmgoodwrenchjsp/perfparts/partlist.jsp?cat=9297§ion=ep

Yeah, it's been out for a while, Jeff wants one.

PRO: Much lighter. Clean. New.

Con: Maybe not as strong as an iron block?

less traction?

Maybe it's that $3000 price tag from GMpartsdirect.com ? :wink:  :lol:

Quote from: god910Maybe it's that $3000 price tag from GMpartsdirect.com ? :wink:  :lol:

Don't forget the rest of their typical costs, S&H!!  Here is the quote after you add it to your cart and go to check-out!!  

$2,932.97 block
$586.59    S&H
$3,519.56 Actual Total  :lol:

Ouch!

As for this Professional Competition Block, very serious power handler!  Comparing it to a stock iron block here, the entire thing is a monster, bottom webbing (where the crank mains bolt to, 4-bolt mains that is!!) is 3 times thicker, holding any crank and power you can make.  V8 priority style oiling, FWD or RWD setup, starter on either side (FWD or RWD style), reinforced head bolt bosses so you can run some very high levels of boost and keep the heads on/sealed!  The list goes on, well it is a Pro Comp Block and the price goes with it!  The stock iron block does 350 hp at 8,500 rpms, 400 hp and 5,500 rpms is no problem either, Curtis (though not thousands of mile testing its limits yet) is running 400 or more on the stock iron, but to really make big power and runs some rpms to make use of a big ass (lagging some) monster turbo, this is the animal to do it!  47 lb lighter I would take and substitute some drag slicks and drag blocks in the back and be much happier/quicker.

Jeff M

I yeah, I know about that.  And you know, for every engine that I've heard of breaking, I've heard of about 40 transmissions going out.  (NOT knocking the trannies, just saying I've heard of ONE cracked block)  Hell, no-one is making enough power to warrant the thing yet.  And the aftermarket is keeping us in check w/ that aspect.   :wink:  If I was going to a RWD 3.1 Turbo, that block would be my start, Damn, can you IMAGINE what could be done to this thing RWD.  It's got me thinking.  Exhuast plumbing would be AWESOME, and EASY, Twin 25's would be NOTHING.  Hmmm....  8)

I do believe that after I get this last tranny done this month, with racing clutches and all the long ass list of upgrades and updates that took me a few years and many contacts and efforts by other tranny shops and suppliers, will have a good performance auto tranny.  NOW, anyone can kill even a good tranny, Mike Gardner who had a used TGP tranny ran 350 drag strip runs (last we had talked, years ago, then he sold it, next owner destroyed the engine twice) was running low 14s then mid 13s and never had a break, but he ran it proper and not a bunch of daily heat soaked/AC running WOT beatings like can happen, even if not the current owner, its those past owners too.  This block will fit lots of RWD, S-10, S-15, Camero, Firebird which is where a lot of faster guys are running these 2.8, 3.1 and 3.4 blocks, of course in front of a 700R4 tranny, typical Pro Comp blocks are good for 500 to 600 hp, so it will last with these numbers, long as its tuned proper, hell of a safety margin for a 400 to 500 hp setup.  That?s cool you been busy, hope the PM does some help getting you a driver TGP.

Jeff M

My other TGP had a cracked block...that makes 2.  :)

Quote from: Jeff M47 lb lighter I would take and substitute some drag slicks and drag blocks in the back and be much happier/quicker.

Jeff M

well that is not as much of a difference as i thought!  i'm thinking the advantages of the GMPP AL block definately outweigh the use of the stock FE block...

but still, like Jay says...most TGP owners are not pushing the kind of power to justify the AL block (i know you are Jeff).  

the AL block and a Getrag would definately lighten a TGP up some tho!  you'd have to use lowering springs to get a stock ride height :lol:

Kicker, I was actually thinking of yours.  I'm pretty sure.  Came to the boards asking for help and ended up trying to seal the block, worked for a bit, got hot, didn't seal?  Is this sounding right?

Damn, RWD is starting to sound mighty nice.   :lol:

Quote from: god910I yeah, I know about that.  And you know, for every engine that I've heard of breaking, I've heard of about 40 transmissions going out.  (NOT knocking the trannies, just saying I've heard of ONE cracked block)  Hell, no-one is making enough power to warrant the thing yet.  And the aftermarket is keeping us in check w/ that aspect.   :wink:  If I was going to a RWD 3.1 Turbo, that block would be my start, Damn, can you IMAGINE what could be done to this thing RWD.  It's got me thinking.  Exhuast plumbing would be AWESOME, and EASY, Twin 25's would be NOTHING.  Hmmm....  8)

A rwd TGP with an aluminum block now your talking my language :rock: . And I would go to a T3/T4 twin turbo setup (if possible) not twin t25's. YOU guys are putting ideas in my head and thats not a good thing :drinking: . As much as I love a powerfull car the rwd aspect is getting me thinking, is it possible and how difficult would it be to do. Although it would add a lot more fun factor to driving the car with a rear end that will kick out on command.

I was just thinking of what stock equipment we could use.  Dual 25's would still be killer.  If I was to do it, it'd go into an S-10.  It just wouldn't be worth converting a GP (Time and money wise that is)

Or you could just do one massive T76 with a 100shot of nitrous to spool that thing. Then go chasing after Supra's down the highway  :twisted: