Magnesium block?!?!?!?!?!
#1
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Magnesium block?!?!?!?!?!
Has anyone ever seen or heard of magnesium or aluminum small blocks (283 / 327) cast by GM and or Mickey Thompson? I know GM installed some aluminum 377's in the Grand Sports and Chaparrals ran some aluminum engines.
Last edited by Dr L-88; 03-24-2011 at 03:25 PM.
#2
Burning Brakes
I am 99% positive because he was discussing Si content in the alloy, etc.
Joe
#5
True. Supposedly they were nothing but problems just like the handful of Aluminum 315 hp heads cast in 1960, due to high porosity of the aluminum. Nice conversation pieces though.
http://www.jackpodellfuelinjections....lock/index.htm
http://www.jackpodellfuelinjections....lock/index.htm
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I'd have to say it's a definite "maybe". Here are some pictures from a long ago swap meet. The notable thing is that the block has a later casting number than the 0-172978 typically seen on aluminum 283 blocks (of which several there are several still in existance), but not as late as the casting number typically associated with the aluminum 327 blocks.
Jim
Last edited by jim lockwood; 03-24-2011 at 10:52 AM.
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#7
Le Mans Master
True. Supposedly they were nothing but problems just like the handful of Aluminum 315 hp heads cast in 1960, due to high porosity of the aluminum. Nice conversation pieces though.
http://www.jackpodellfuelinjections....lock/index.htm
http://www.jackpodellfuelinjections....lock/index.htm
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CERV (Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle).
CERV I was developed between 1959-60 by Zora Arkus Duntov as a functional open-wheeled race car, with Larry Shinoda and Tony Lapine doing the design work.
Duntov developed CERV 1 as a platform for engineers to develop and refine Chevrolet body, chassis and suspension systems. Its impressive performance on the test track drove him to have higher aspirations, the checkered flag at Indy. Due to a ban on racing by Chevrolet at the time, Duntov was unable to compete. Duntov drove The CERV 1's demo laps at the U.S. Grand Prix in 1960.
The CERV-I was originally equipped with a 283CID/350HP, small block V8 engine, weighing only 350 lbs. Intensive use of aluminum and magnesium engine components saved over 175 lbs.
Complementing its lightweight powerplant, designer, Larry Shinoda constructed CERV 1’s body structure out of FRP, which weighed in at only 80 lbs.
The body structure was attached to a rigid 125 lb. chrome-molybdenum tube constructed frame, welded in a truss-like configuration. Combining these lightweight components helped the CERV-I's 96" wheelbase weigh in at 1,600 lbs.
CERV-I’s chassis features a four-wheel independent suspension with a unique rear multilink system (similar to systems used today). Front suspension uses independent, variable rate springs with shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. Rear suspension uses independent multilink, variable rate springs, with “double-acting†shock absorbers. Wheels are cast magnesium alloy.
Steering is recirculating ball type with 12:1 ratio.
The brake system uses front disc/rear drum (similar system to 1960 HD), with a two-piston master cylinder to eliminate the chance of complete brake failure.
Fuel was delivered via two rubber bladder fuel cells (20 gal. total capacity).
Fuel injected small block technology was developed using the CERV 1. For even greater performance, Duntov refitted the CERV-I with its current 377 cu. in. aluminum small block, an advanced Rochester fuel injection system and Indy-style tires and wheels. To match this mechanical updating, Shinoda redesigned its streamlined body structure for greater aerodynamics.
Top Speed: 206 mph.
Today the CERV-I appears in this second-generation form. It’s owned by Mike Yager, President of Mid America Designs, and is part of the Mid America Designs car collection.
http://www.conceptcarposter.com/gm_i...tte_CERV_I.jpg
Photo Credit (and to obtain a poster) (http://www.conceptcarposter.com/)
[GM Media Press Release, November 6, 1997]
#9
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Thanks everyone, especially Viking427 and Jim Lockwood, for the valuable information and photos. I had "heard rumors" of a magnesium block floating around and wanted to pursue it for my collection of "weird" stuff. If anyone knows the where abouts of one of the mag or aluminum blocks, please let me know and thanks in advance for your consideration.
Rex
Rex
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Thanks everyone, especially Viking427 and Jim Lockwood, for the valuable information and photos. I had "heard rumors" of a magnesium block floating around and wanted to pursue it for my collection of "weird" stuff. If anyone knows the where abouts of one of the mag or aluminum blocks, please let me know and thanks in advance for your consideration.
Rex
Rex
#11
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Bump this thread for further discussion.............................
#12
Le Mans Master
Jack Poddel's daughter had an aluminum small block for sale in the Driveline for a long time. Can't remember the whole origin but it was a 50's 283, if I remember correctly.
Last edited by Vette Daddy; 06-13-2012 at 12:58 AM.
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John Neas #4 SR2 has a 4in bore alum block with the Winters foundry snowflake.
The block sat in the corner of the garage at his house for such a long time that I never believed it would get built. It did. Unfortunately, it never occured to me to take a picture of the bare block on the garage floor. It's now a 350 with aftermarket alum heads and an FI unit that I built for it. Killer engine!
The block sat in the corner of the garage at his house for such a long time that I never believed it would get built. It did. Unfortunately, it never occured to me to take a picture of the bare block on the garage floor. It's now a 350 with aftermarket alum heads and an FI unit that I built for it. Killer engine!
Last edited by DZAUTO; 06-13-2012 at 12:10 AM.
#14
Burning Brakes
We had at least one AL small block at Shadow. I remember it sitting in a rack of stuff from 1969-70 projects from before we got the 495's. I was always looking for an opportunity to see if I could just "clean out all that ole stuff" and take it home. Don't know what happened to it.
#15
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John Neas #4 SR2 has a 4in bore alum block with the Winters foundry snowflake.
The block sat in the corner of the garage at his house for such a long time that I never believed it would get built. It did. Unfortunately, it never occured to me to take a picture of the bare block on the garage floor. It's now a 350 with aftermarket alum heads and an FI unit that I built for it. Killer engine!
The block sat in the corner of the garage at his house for such a long time that I never believed it would get built. It did. Unfortunately, it never occured to me to take a picture of the bare block on the garage floor. It's now a 350 with aftermarket alum heads and an FI unit that I built for it. Killer engine!
#16
Mystery Block!
I have been trying to find info on an engine I bought from a guy that was using it as a coffee table! And seeing this post shed more light on it! It is aluminum or mag not sure but the casting is 3-4-59 and 0-172978 with twin air research turbos.
#17
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I replied to your PM.
Thanks,
Rex
Thanks,
Rex
#18
Mickey Thompson 283 racing engine by GM 0 172978
I know where the the above engine is, I have a freind who has one never used with the weber side drafts
alum steel engine plus adjustable pressure gage
with head 024 Rt 0 222 859 and LH head milled .038 22 62572 and timing cover
Moon intake and 7 rib valve covers and chromed started cellunoid
If interested in information email me and I will let them know, and if it is not gone shortly
I believe is is 1 of 2 known of 100 that still exists
alum steel engine plus adjustable pressure gage
with head 024 Rt 0 222 859 and LH head milled .038 22 62572 and timing cover
Moon intake and 7 rib valve covers and chromed started cellunoid
If interested in information email me and I will let them know, and if it is not gone shortly
I believe is is 1 of 2 known of 100 that still exists
#19
Melting Slicks
I know where the the above engine is, I have a freind who has one never used with the weber side drafts
alum steel engine plus adjustable pressure gage
with head 024 Rt 0 222 859 and LH head milled .038 22 62572 and timing cover
Moon intake and 7 rib valve covers and chromed started cellunoid
If interested in information email me and I will let them know, and if it is not gone shortly
I believe is is 1 of 2 known of 100 that still exists
alum steel engine plus adjustable pressure gage
with head 024 Rt 0 222 859 and LH head milled .038 22 62572 and timing cover
Moon intake and 7 rib valve covers and chromed started cellunoid
If interested in information email me and I will let them know, and if it is not gone shortly
I believe is is 1 of 2 known of 100 that still exists
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