quote:Originally posted by Bosswrench:
Brick, PM me if you're really serious: there is an aluminum Fontana block now available. This is a robust design from Arias Racing that was bought out by Joe Fontana and his partner (now deceased), which was successfully used in pro-racing in the '80s and early '90s. In race form, 410 c.i Fontana engines supported well over 800 bhp on alcohol at over 9000 rpms, for an entire season before needing a rebuild. They can be built to 460 cubic inches. Joe finally retired and stopped making the blocks, which use selected features of both the 351 Cleveland AND the 351 Windsor. They are quite popular in Mustangs and Panteras all over the world. Shelby Enterprises continues one variant even today.
Jack, I agree with you on the use of the Fontana block! It was the best money that I ever spent on my Pantera through the years. Combined with port injected EFI and aluminum 3VCHI heads and intake manifold it does great on the street and the track. Not to mention saving a bunch of weight over an all cast iron engine.