I have a World iron block that I had planned to use to build a 540" street/strip Hemi to replace the 500" wedge that is in the Cuda now. But I have been offered a new Indy aluminum block in trade for this iron block.

I have never ran an aluminum block in a primarily street driven car. I like the idea of loosing the weight off the nose of the car with the aluminum block but I am unsure if there are any significant down sides.

So, for you guys with some experience with this; would you recommend that I keep the iron block or trade for the aluminum one?

Thanks!

I'd do that trade in a heartbeat, as long as there's nothing wrong with the Indy block.

Grab this deal before it gets away.

You're losing around 200lb in the block casting.

Around half of all cars on the road have aluminum blocks, so does your lawnmower engine, probably.

It's not like an aluminum block is a rarity on the street.

R.

No way in the world would I trade my new 4.990 rough bored World cast iron Hemi block for a Indy aluminum block unless I was planning on using a blower or turbo and I was wanting to be able to repair the aluminum block easier after it broke racing it The iron or steel sleeves in aluminum blocks expand at a different rate than the aluminum block does resulting in uneven ring seal causing higher crankcase pressures at WOT It's your choice. BTW, why do you think the other person is wanting to trade you

I'd do that trade! Nothing wrong at all w/ an aluminum block on the street. Both of those blocks will need to be checked out by a machine shop before you can use them anyway.

Interesting question. Unless you know and trust the guy offering you the Indy block I'd be skeptical. It is possible that there is something wrong with the block. Even if there isn't any wrong with the block there is the possibility that it might not work for you. For example, is the Indy block capable of internal oiling or will you need to run an external oil setup? Are the lifter galleries drilled for oil or not?

If the Indy block is the right one for your application then the only issue is if you want to deal with the slight extra hassle of running one on the street. The blocks grow a lot more with heat so bearing clearances have to be tight when cold. So you can't beat on the engine until the block is up to temp.

Already went that route, and I am glad I did. I like the oiling better on the Indy...Here's my 605 street engine!

I believe you're giving up 50 hp going to the aluminum block.

If you don't want to trade let me know I will Thanks Brian

That is such an old wives tale its not funny anymore....50hp really!

I hope you're right.

Yes, and milkweed milk applied to warts in the light of the full moon will cause them to dry up and fall off.

R.

The reason I was contacted about a trade is because the World block is a MP piece with the Mopar part number. And the Indy block will be a new one ordered to spec. I may need to kick in a buck or two depending on how many extras I decide on, but basically it would be a straight up trade. My new in the box World iron for a new in the box aluminum Indy.

For me, the only advantage going in is the weight off the nose. That World block is HEAVY! I don't really have a need for aluminum other than the weight. And I just wanted to make sure that I didn't make myself more issues than the normal ones associated with a Hemiroid by switching to aluminum.

So far, it sounds like I may pursue this. Thanks for the input guys, I really appreciate it.

I know alot of people who hate taking 200lbs off the nose of a street or race car...NOT

I really didn't like the Indy aluminum block , I would rather the world block for any engine build , boosted or N/A . If you want to go boosted in the future I would defiantly not go with the Indy block. Just look in the water jackets and feel the head bolt casting against the cylinder bore .

I'd love to lose the weight, But. I've seen a few builds very similar to mine in N/SS. All have -1 or B-1 heads, same intake, similar cams, and weight. Most are running modified Holley carbs vs. Eddys. The difference, aluminum blocks vs. mega block. Mine is quicker and runs more MPH. Why?
Doug

Is your block a iron or aluminum?

It's an old iron Mopar Megablock