quote:I have an aluminum Fontana block,......has aluminum main caps (Cleveland mains)
Sure about that? Possible but rare.
quote:any idea what it's worth?
They usually fetch $2500-3000 used depending upon condition. However, the Clevor Fontana is no longer available as the tooling was purchased from Joe and Windsorized. They were $4600 new and required comparable prep to other aftermarket blocks.
The Fontana block weighs in at 116 pounds versus 172 pounds for a standard bore 2-bolt main 351C block. Iron 9.2" or 9.5" deck SBF race blocks come in at around 205 lbs (per the Ford Motorsport catalog). With aluminum heads, waterpump, flywheel, and a mini-starter, it is possible to get the engine weight down to 400 lbs or so versus 550 lbs for an all-iron 351C.
They are a well engineered proven platform upon which big power can be built and sustained. They were a staple in world of outlaws sprint cars and alcohol engines that put down well over 700 hp. Like any aluminum block push rod engine, you need to be diligent about maintaining valve lash (in solid valve train engines) and be patient allowing the engine to come to temperature before romping.
Kelly