- Joined
- May 26, 2001
- Messages
- 9,208
Since this project has been in the works for 5 years, I thought it would be appropiate to summarize how and what is happening, and to provide an accurate picture of this project.
The first public comments and info gathering was in 1999 at the GSCA event in Columbus. Mike and I polled many racers about their feelings about a new V-6 block. GM had just recently finished the final run of 25 stage II blocks. The response was good and we went into a serious discussion and planning stage.
During the planning stage, it was determined that it would be easier, cheaper and better if the block would be aluminum. Another benefit is that it could be machined at TA if needed.
After much further discussion and preliminary design, the project design was started in early 2001. It took about a year for design, patterns and casting the first 3 prototype alum blocks. In mid-2002, one of these unmachined blocks was shown in Bowling Green.
In 2002, 2 of the 3 pre-production prototypes were machined [CNC program developed] and fitted with hardware like steel caps, cylinder liners, bolts, etc. In 2003 the machined on-center TA block was shown in BG and delivered to a customer. One of the original castings was cut apart to verify dimensions and the casting process. The other original casting was done in off-center configuration and was evaluated by Ken D., the design team, and used for accessory verification.
Meanwhile the first production run of block [25 units] was begun and delivery started in 2003. A few were shipped around the country to various individuals. Last summer, one was delivered to Ken D., was built [with TA heads], installed in a customer's GN and delivered to him in L.A. Other complete engines have since been finished by TA, and delivered as well. All 25 blocks were sold.
The second run of 40 blocks is now in process and should be ready for delivery this summer. Some have been pre-sold.
Let me voice some of my personal comments about our [ArizonaGN] work with the TA block. We have assembled 2 of these blocks and are working on others. It is designed as a stock "replacement" block.
The design is based upon stage II strength, but with ability to use stock components. We did one alum block with stock crank/rods for a street rod customer.
The TA block comes "fully machined" like most quality aftermarket blocks, BUT proper prep work MUST be done before assembly; deck surfaced, bore or hone cyls, clean and check all holes threaded or not, and so forth.
This is an alum block with steel liners. We have found that general prodction auto machine shops are not familiar or equipped to do the prep work properly. Liners are steel, not cast iron, deck surfacing is cutting steel/alum and needs to have a special machine. So, this is NOT a block you can unbox and build in your back yard.
A quality engine builder will have no problem with this block. Our experience so far shows only a few hours additional work over a used stock block. It also shows less work than most other aftermarket blocks, iron or alum, that we have done over the years.
My personal TA engine is assembled and should have the accessories mounted when on the stand this week Some issues like my custom-made headers not being ready means I have to modify a stock set to fit. Also, we need to do interim "custom" motor mounts until I have the poly ones. Even dealing with the 100+ degree temps, hope it can be running by the 4th of July?
It will be evaluated on the street first. We plan to have lots of data and pics available. Hope this gives a good highlight of the alum block project. Why more of them are not running can be answered partially by saying this an expensive project compared to a regular build. People doing these are making sure everything is done properly, and checking many items to assure this.
We should see and hear about other experiences very soon.
The first public comments and info gathering was in 1999 at the GSCA event in Columbus. Mike and I polled many racers about their feelings about a new V-6 block. GM had just recently finished the final run of 25 stage II blocks. The response was good and we went into a serious discussion and planning stage.
During the planning stage, it was determined that it would be easier, cheaper and better if the block would be aluminum. Another benefit is that it could be machined at TA if needed.
After much further discussion and preliminary design, the project design was started in early 2001. It took about a year for design, patterns and casting the first 3 prototype alum blocks. In mid-2002, one of these unmachined blocks was shown in Bowling Green.
In 2002, 2 of the 3 pre-production prototypes were machined [CNC program developed] and fitted with hardware like steel caps, cylinder liners, bolts, etc. In 2003 the machined on-center TA block was shown in BG and delivered to a customer. One of the original castings was cut apart to verify dimensions and the casting process. The other original casting was done in off-center configuration and was evaluated by Ken D., the design team, and used for accessory verification.
Meanwhile the first production run of block [25 units] was begun and delivery started in 2003. A few were shipped around the country to various individuals. Last summer, one was delivered to Ken D., was built [with TA heads], installed in a customer's GN and delivered to him in L.A. Other complete engines have since been finished by TA, and delivered as well. All 25 blocks were sold.
The second run of 40 blocks is now in process and should be ready for delivery this summer. Some have been pre-sold.
Let me voice some of my personal comments about our [ArizonaGN] work with the TA block. We have assembled 2 of these blocks and are working on others. It is designed as a stock "replacement" block.
The design is based upon stage II strength, but with ability to use stock components. We did one alum block with stock crank/rods for a street rod customer.
The TA block comes "fully machined" like most quality aftermarket blocks, BUT proper prep work MUST be done before assembly; deck surfaced, bore or hone cyls, clean and check all holes threaded or not, and so forth.
This is an alum block with steel liners. We have found that general prodction auto machine shops are not familiar or equipped to do the prep work properly. Liners are steel, not cast iron, deck surfacing is cutting steel/alum and needs to have a special machine. So, this is NOT a block you can unbox and build in your back yard.
A quality engine builder will have no problem with this block. Our experience so far shows only a few hours additional work over a used stock block. It also shows less work than most other aftermarket blocks, iron or alum, that we have done over the years.
My personal TA engine is assembled and should have the accessories mounted when on the stand this week Some issues like my custom-made headers not being ready means I have to modify a stock set to fit. Also, we need to do interim "custom" motor mounts until I have the poly ones. Even dealing with the 100+ degree temps, hope it can be running by the 4th of July?
It will be evaluated on the street first. We plan to have lots of data and pics available. Hope this gives a good highlight of the alum block project. Why more of them are not running can be answered partially by saying this an expensive project compared to a regular build. People doing these are making sure everything is done properly, and checking many items to assure this.
We should see and hear about other experiences very soon.
Buy the Chevy.
