Cast Iron Blocks

[cal44]

Anyone here used the new Ford Kent Lotus blocks. Instead of goofing around with old technology I was thinking about doing a new engine. Opinions good or bad please.

Regards,
Mike

[garyeanderson]

Brian and Russ each have the new tall deck block, I think Brian's is running. I don't think that anyone here has bought one of the Lotus height blocks but as always I am usually wrong. If you have the original engine in your car then I would put it away for safe keeping and play with the new stuff, that said, Build a big engine, you won't be sorry.

Gary

[cal44]

I don't have the original engine that came with the car. Just wondering about any problems. Also now that you bring it up. The tall deck would fit in a Plus 2 with no clearance problems?

Mike

[garyeanderson]

I don't know the Plus2 well enough to say, A tall deck Twin Cam that hasn't been decked significantly is 7/16 of an inch taller. Put a small piece of 1/2 inch plywood on top of the front cam cover (where the sprockets are) and close the bonnet gently. If it closes ad a bit more and see how much clearance you have. Thats the best I can offer.

Gary

more info in this post on the new Ford blocks
elan-mods-f31/ford-kent-engine-back-production-t19684.html

[CBUEB1771]

Put a small piece of 1/2 inch plywood on top of the front cam cover (where the sprockets are) and close the bonnet gently.

I did this a couple of years ago on my +2 but I'll have to dig my notes out this weekend to report my findings. The style of cam cover makes a big difference. The later type with "Lotus" or "Lotus Big Valve" across the top of the cam chain are quite a bit taller in the critical area at the front than the earlier types with "Lotus" above each cam. I think that using the earlier cam cover and a little fettling of the engine mount bolt holes would work. Again, I'll recover my notes over the weekend. My tall block is on my engine stand waiting for me to get off my butt and back to work.

[rgh0]

A friend got 2 of the 1500 height blocks and has built one up as a racing engine. The advantage is no stuffing around looking for a good second hand block, the disadvantage is the cost.

The extra metal around the main bearings is an advantage in a 9000 rpm race engine but not worthwhile for the cost in a road engine IMHO. If building a road engine and have a good second hand block no real advantage.

cheers
Rohan

[bcmc33]

Brian and Russ each have the new tall deck block, I think Brian's is running. I don't think that anyone here has bought one of the Lotus height blocks but as always I am usually wrong. If you have the original engine in your car then I would put it away for safe keeping and play with the new stuff, that said, Build a big engine, you won't be sorry. Gary

Yes my new 711M block engine is running very well - fitted with standard size Twink pistons and decked to suit a 420 tuned head for 10.5:1 CR. (1662cc)
125BHP and 118lbs.ft at the rear wheels.

Taking Rohan's point regarding cost - you will find it difficult to get a good original 701M block for less than ?1k in the UK.

[cal44]

Good feedback. Here in the States I (anyone) can pick up a new block for $1300.00. I thought it would just make good sense, but checking with the all knowing before I made a move was important.

One more thing. There are two new Kent blocks, of which, one is a specific Lotus block. I am assuming it has the lower deck height....right?

Mike

[CBUEB1771]

There are two new Kent blocks, of which, one is a specific Lotus block. I am assuming it has the lower deck height....right?

Correct. I believe the 1500 (Lotus) height block is more expensive than the 1600 height.

[cal44]

Thanks Russ,
I stand corrected on the price. Funny that a new Boss 302 block is only $1600.00.

Mike

[bcmc33]

The Ford Racing blocks are branded 701M & 711M.

[pauljones]

Mike,

Just my two pence worth,I put in a 711m bare block with a bare head in my plus 2,it was touching a bit on the forward edge.its an early cam cover too.now It seems that some will fit straight away while others need to have the mounts fettled to lower the engine a small amount.

As an aside,id love a 69/70 boss.very jealous.

paul

[pauljones]

Mike,

Thanks for the pics,I think ive lost them somehow so could you send again please.Im currently finding bits for a 351c running Aus quench heads,6inch Chevy rods,Keith Black pistons,.......you probably get the picture. To be sitting in the rails of a fake snake. Should be pulling up 500 torque at best.

Aint no subsitute for cubic inches.

Paul

[cal44]

Paul,

PM sent. Yep, I do enjoy a screamin' V8.

Mike