Any recommendations on engine block freeze plugs - steel or brass? Engine is a small block that will be used on both steet and strip.

Brass doesn't rust out like steel ones do.

I'd pick brass.
The steel ones last about 20 years, and I have installed a bunch of them on budget engines.
However the holes are really not for freezing, they are there to let the core sand out of the block after it is cast. But you probably knew that.

R.

brass,steel will rust and rot

Stainless steel

I picked brass for corrosion resistance and it worked out fine. If you use steel and keep the coolant maintained, should last a long time also. I don't think it is a critical either way. With either, good scrubbing of the holes with fresh water followed by solvent and some hardening type sealer (not RTV) will help insure leak free.

No brainer, BRASS. Cost difference is minimal.

I agree brass.Steel is ok but brass will last better.Rocky

The only advantage steel freeze plugs have over brass is slightly better holding power as steel is not as soft as brass (tension holds them in place better), which is one of the reasons why the factory used them (as well as cheaper cost). Brass will not rust out. With a hardening sealer, brass will never blow out either. Brass is the way to go!!!

im going steel for vinn's application. engine paint sticks better to steel vs brass . steel plugs hold harder. and vinn has stated he doesn't want antifreeze under his tires at the track. its not a show poodle. ronnie

I also heard the steel plugs will hold better vs. the brass. I was speaking with my restoration tech yesterday about this topic to get his input and he also advised that I should use steel (zinc plated)freeze plugs. He mentioned there were situations where the plugs were small and went in too easy causing leaks. Not stating this was a brass vs. steel issue, but possible build variation (e.g. part not to print/spec).

Thank you for the feedback on this topic!

Never had a brass one leak or fall out in all the engines I've built or replaced freeze plugs in...a steel one will rust and leak before a properly installed brass one will leak.

Had brass in a small block now for five years with street/strip use and many miles of touring and no issues.

As stated above the brass will not rust out but most hear that they won't hold in the block tight , leak or pop out. Proper installation is the answer. Most guy's use the easy method by inserting a socket into the center cup and then pounding it in. This method pulls the sides of the cup in reducing wall tension needed to hold the freeze plug in. Proper way is smear some sealant around the outer freeze plug and tap the outer rim to insert it flush with the block. There might even be a proper tool .

I HAD A BRASS ONE POP OUT AT WOT. MAYBE I DIDNT INSTALL IT RIGHT? I DONT KNOW, BUT NOW I USE STEEL.

Ok, the zinc plating would seem to take care of the rust issue, and the steel will hold better.

Is everyone who is bringing up rust thinking of non plated steel plugs?

If you think the zinc will last you'll be sadly mistaken.

Pretty sure the factory plugs were zinc plated too.

If you are really worried about a brass plug blowing out then put a retaining strap across the plug, just like they used to do back in the day.

Yep retaining strap if your worried. Put steel ones in my first motor and headed off to college. Well after a couple of years I left my car with a buddy over Thanksgiving. Took a flight to visited my GF's family. Well when I returned my motor was toast. Didn't know a plug was leaking. Buddy didn't bother reading gauges on a 500 hp engine. Locked up while driving. He let it cool for 30 min according to him and got it fired and drove home. Motor rebuild in college fraternity. Brothers loved it but not really me. NO MORE STEEL!

BTW Marine motors only use brass. Some make 1000+ HP.

Damon

Agreed, just be carefull not to drill your mini holes for the retainer strap holes all the way thru the core plug bosses. Clean the holes. Permatex #1. brass plugs with deep sides (for more contact area). not sure if there are 2 different "thicknesses" of em like the SB Dorman steel ones I'v e dealt with but just a caveat. Dorman told me that they are selling the thin (steel) ones now. tighten the straps down till they securely contact the plug edges so drive em in just the right amt. Overkill maybe but needed on the stock car

Yes there are tall and short cup plugs. If you could find a catalog you'd see. I don't have one at my disposal.

When I built my last engine I literally couldn't afford brass so I went steel.

All the steel plugs are plated, but as it's a sacrificial costing it doesn't last forever. You guys who don't keep on top of your antifreeze corrosion resistance will notice the problem first.

As I said earlier the steel plugs seem to last about 20 years in normal applications.

R.