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I hate to "taint" this site with more sb questions but I know you (Monty) stop in here sometimes and have an aluminum block. QUESTION: I'm looking into getting an aluminum sbc block. I know with BB's, Donovan is the usual choice for the NOS contingent. Which sbc aluminum is the best reasonably priced one? I've got 434 internals from a bowtie block, that are in need of a transplant.

Have I ever said how much I hate aluminum blocks? Well, if not.. A LOT.. the things move all over the place. Cant hold cylinder roundness, caps walk, and just all together junk IMO...

Rodeck is about the best in the business. They dont have anything over a 9.025 deck and all are standard cam location and standard panrails

Brodix is next best on the block. Talking to people they say that they are happy with the block. Only problem is cylinder roundness after a few runs. If you order one of these, get it 3/4 filled and order with the optional 4.200 sleeves

Donovan is next but they are not as stout as the Brodix block. I believe it is a T355 aluminum compared to the T356 Brodix and Rodeck use. Cap walk and cylinder movement is a problem.

Dart is what I have and it is JUNK!!! Dart started by saying that the block would handle over 2200 HP without a problem. I have blown the mains and cracked the block 3 times. The cam wont turn unless the mains are torqued and the cylinders wont stay still after just 1 event. I called Dart and they said it was not intended for anything over 700 HP. I have no idea why they went from 2200 HP before I bought it to 700 when I had problems, but it seems they have no clue either now.

I would personally use a cast Dart Iron Eagle for the buildup with a 9.325 deck and 400 mains. I would replace the caps with an aftermarket billet piece like Oliver or equal. The cast blocks will make around 30-60 more horse do to the ability of holding shape in the cylinders and less block movement... But if you have to have an aluminum block for weight reasons. I would get a Brodix. Seems most people are happy with theirs. Unless you can make a Rodeck block work... I personally dont think a 4" stroke would work in the Rodeck block but I have seen the impossible done before.. Hope this helps and make sence....

Thanks for the info! The reason that this guy wants to use the aluminum block is for "burn up" rebuild reasons. Resleeve can be done with the aluminum rather than .005 over honing and new pistons. They liked to do the peddle fest sometimes, which of course lifts the rings and eventually, boom! I know my donovan leaks like crazy. Probably the best cylinder is about 10% after re-ringing. But, it still runs as well as most of the 5" stuff that I come up against on 2 systems.

They plan to run this thing around on the street so, I agree, the steel block is the better choice. But the choice isn't mine. I just tune it.

So, are you going to get a new block or just deal with the pain?