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Engine cases

Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 3:09 pm
by H2OSB
Originally asked of Marc, however, he suggested I ask here:

Are there drawbacks to the aluminum super case over the mag supercase, aside from weight? I've actually found aluminum supercases for less than magnesium supercases. If the aluminum cases is stronger, even if far stronger than necessary, but less expensive, I may still go aluminum.

I'm not concerned about the 20 extra lbs...I was planning to use an upright T4 before I came to my senses.

johnL

Re: Engine cases

Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 4:38 pm
by H2OSB
Oh, I forgot the aluminum cases run hotter. Are there other issues?

Re: Engine cases

Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 4:38 pm
by Chip Birks
Aluminum is stronger. But may require more OCD up front to make sure everything is in spec and aligned and such. I think a lot of the issues people have had in the past have been taken care of, but you still need to be careful.

Nothing wrong with Type 4 engines. Plenty of people out there making big reliable power with them.

Re: Engine cases

Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 5:25 pm
by H2OSB
I agree about the type 4. I strongly desire one. I simply cannot justify the cost.

I'm only hoping for 100 to 125 reliable horsepower, which is pretty easy to get from either a T1 or T4, however, getting that from a T4 will cost 2 to 3 times as much money as a T1.

I tried many ways to make a T4 affordable for me. I bought 2 1.7 cases, one bus and one 914. I bought two different 66 mm cranks and connecting rods and also a set of 1.7 heads that were already machined for 96 mm pistons. That, however, was were the decent costs ended, and those were all used parts (nothing wrong with that...but I did have to hunt to find them).

What finally pushed me over the edge was trying to find an exhaust. I've been getting a lot of great advice from Piledriver. He had many good suggestions. Even my son came up with a decent idea for an exhaust. However none were really what I wanted. I really want the exhaust to exit out of the factory valance holes. Kinda like jumbo pea shooters. Nothing that would do that was even reasonable cost. However a performance A1 exhaust for the T1 that does exactly what I want can be had for about $600. Then there's the valve train..then there's the heads (was planning to have my heads reworked for 42/36 valves). THEN there's the upright conversion. The best deal I could come up with there was about $800. Just couldn't justify the costs.

Anyway, I've gotten WAY off topic in my own thread. I had totally forgotten the hotter running with the aluminum cases which is all I need to know to avoid that case, however for others who might be considering an aluminum super case, perhaps someone can list the advantages to the aluminum.

JohnL