TA Aluminum Block

[t3intercooled]

Just curious if anyone can share their experiences with the TA aluminum V6 block. Pros and Cons if possible since I am looking at purchasing one for my next build. Thanks for the input.

 

[SGRIM]

There was just a thread on this a couple of weeks ago. Do some searching, alot of good info!!!

 

[BEATAV8]

I was all set to buy one myself, then I found out there's another $2K or so in machine work required on the block to make it useable. It is not ready to go out of the box.

 

[gnxtc2]

Anytime you buy a new aftermarket block,wheather it would be Chevy/Ford, it will still require machining. Even when you can buy a brand new Stage block, it still required machining.

Buy one, you won't be disappointed, trust me.

Billy T.
gnxtc2@aol.com

 

[TurboDave]

I was all set to buy one myself, then I found out there's another $2K or so in machine work required on the block to make it useable. It is not ready to go out of the box.

As was stated, that's true with ANY new block.

The only way you'll get one ready to go out of the box is to order either a short or long block. And specify the internals.

 

[1QWIK6]

So around $4.5K in the block JUST to get it ready for internals?

 

[IGOTHP]

ta block

but then you are getting somthing that has no issues its new.

 

[turbofabricator]

Billy T.
.......................Did you buy those pistons at Disneyland? Sure look Mickey-Mouse to me. :biggrin: Should have had a black thermal coat applied just to Mickey's ears and top of head. THAT is worth about 45 hp. according to my "goofy" calculator.


Looks REAL nice.

 

[gnxtc2]

Billy T.
.......................Did you buy those pistons at Disneyland? Sure look Mickey-Mouse to me. :biggrin: Should have had a black thermal coat applied just to Mickey's ears and top of head. THAT is worth about 45 hp. according to my "goofy" calculator.


Looks REAL nice.

Thanks.

The pistons were coated by Diamond. The tops and sides are coated. When I get home, I'll take some pics of the pistons.

Billy T.
gnxtc2@aol.com

 

[Jerryl]

It is EASY to see how a SII ends up at $25K
That engine and set-up are like WOW!!!!

 

[BEATAV8]

I can't speak from experience, but some of the Pontiac aftermarket blocks are advertised as "ready to go" out of the box, requiring only bore/hone and final wash to be readied for assembly.

I guess the sticker shock on this one just isn't sinking in for me yet.

At this point I'm waiting to see what the Champion block has to offer next spring.

 

[BEATAV8]

Here's a good example of the Pontiac block
-no decking or square decking required unless you want a deck height other than stock
-no line hone required
-no lifter bore truing required

IA II Standard Deck Building Notes

 

[Alky V6]

Some radiusing of oil passages, setting and decking the sleeves, bore and hone, installed long length helicoils in the block for all the head studs. Everything else checked out fine with mine. I don't know where that $2,500 in extra machining came from. The machine shop I took the block to for boring and honing was actually amazed by the finish of the block. They told me that typical V8 aftermarket aluminum blocks need much more finishing work than the TA block.

I'm presently PMing the engine and bearing wear is fantastic. Everything seems to be staying straight. I'm very happy with this block.

I also think Oliver rods are amazing.

 

[BEATAV8]

I don't know where that $2,500 in extra machining came from.

I got my info (devastation) here:
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/engine-tech/263002-cost-machine-109-a.html

 

[Alky V6]

I guess it's always possible to get a block that needs all that aligning, but mine was just fine. 1st generation.

 

[BLACK6PACK]

but then you are getting somthing that has no issues its new.

Dude, hate to tell you this, but you got your turbo on sideways!!

 

[t3intercooled]

I got my info (devastation) here:
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/engine-tech/263002-cost-machine-109-a.html

That's great info, but the aluminum block comes with 6 bolt mains billet main caps, so no machining required. I am looking to hit low 10s and maybe a high nine if I am lucky, so yeah.

 

[sixgun86gn]

My TA block works just fine.

No problems to speak of with my setup other than trying to get the spoolup just right.

With a front mount cruising around my neighborhood it stays cool,cools down real fast at the track. Makes excellent oil pressure.

Looks good too.

BTW my top radiator hose is a -12 an,which is around 5/8 or so ID,and it still runs right at 180*.

You just have to remember to use anti seize on all the bolts to keep them from tearing out the threads when you remove them.

 

[sixgun86gn]

I was all set to buy one myself, then I found out there's another $2K or so in machine work required on the block to make it useable. It is not ready to go out of the box.

I paid $1600 for machine work AND assembly for mine,so I don't know where you got that # from.

 

[BEATAV8]

I paid $1600 for machine work AND assembly for mine,so I don't know where you got that # from.

see my post above with link