What's a good used Fontana block worth?

quote:

any idea what it's worth?

Ask Bosswrench, Jack DeRyke.

He has one and should know.

Larry

Don't want to sound stupid, but could someone please enlighten me about this Fontana-block? Pros, cons, weight vs. steelblock and so on?

I'll inspect it for you as well Will make a nice foundation for someone. Wish I had some spare cash right now to build a stroker!

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

Here are some pictures. The block belonged to a guy in the Mid West who was very much into Panteras and was killed on a motor cycle accident about 10 years ago. His brother sold off a lot of Pantera parts he had. I think he also owned a Valleunga that was featured in a short PI article.

another pic

Never saw a set of the aluminum caps before though Joe told me they were available. Align boring/honing is always a little tricky when one side is AL and the other steel. Aluminum caps would help with that and they would definitely save you a few pounds but might wonder how well they hold fastener torque. Probably not much a concern for racers since they get torn down after every race. The steel caps are also beefy and splayed. Here's a pic.

Fontana blocks also require a unique front timing chain cover. They look like a Windsor cover but are different because Fontanas use Cleveland oil pans so the pan rail is different than an ordinary Windsor. There are several versions of the cover available; one that receives ordinary water pumps and the other that takes snout mounted pumps. If you have one, you'll want to offer it with the block if you decide to sell it. Like I said, Fontanas are nice piece. I own two 9.5 deck Fontanas. I sold Bosswrench my 9.2" deck Fontana block. I'm sure he'll be chiming in soon I'm sure.

Take care,
Kelly

More pics

P3

P4

p5

p6

p7

p8

p10

p11

p12

p13

Nice !!!....