This is just a poll/discussion on which block is stronger for a modular motor build up.

well I know they use aluminum to make foil and iron to make woks so I guess based on that my vote is for iron.

Well iron would be STRONGER, but it depends on what you plan on doing with the motor...
Any kind of nitrous or forced induction?
If not, go aluminum...
If so, Iron all the way...

Forced induction looks to be the plans right now for it.

Iron block all the way...

Least with 6bolt mains i don't gotta worry about that part of the deal It's going to have DOHC heads.

I'm going to say Iron..

Iron block is stronger, but most modern racing motors are aluminum. Weight is the enemy if you're looking for speed.

That is true about weight, but i'm looking for strength in the build up.

My vote was iron. I'll take strength over light weight anyday. While weight is an issue for speed...is this engine really going in something that'll be going down the 1/4 mile all the time? If not, I'll take the reliability and extra couple of pounds.

I guess after doing some research and seeing what a few of the guys that have raced the 4.6's have said, it's either the Teksid block because it's not actually a Ford machining but their machining. Although they also said the iron blocks are pretty strong as well. A little specs of weight off of Ford Racing Performance.
Production Cast Iron 4.6 Iron Block: 178 lbs.
Aluminum 4.6 Block: 129 lbs.
Aluminum 4.6 Block for Supercharging: 165lbs.
That's just the blocks, but not a lot of weight difference really. Specs taken from:
http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/category.asp?catID=38&catdesc=Engine Blocks
But i'd still like to see what everyone here thinks, cause i respect everyones advice.

Iron, no contest.

What is the best iron block out there, both production and aftermarket?

I don't know of any body making Modular aftermarket Iron blocks.
The only ones I have seen have all been Aluminum racing block.....

Iron all the way.

klatt_89 said:

What is the best iron block out there, both production and aftermarket?

Click to expand...

I just realized something- if we're talking about a modular block, iron isn't even a choice.

polarbear said:

I just realized something- if we're talking about a modular block, iron isn't even a choice.

Click to expand...

What are you talking about Willis? Modular motors are produced in both iron and aluminum.

2003-2004 SVT 4.6L 4 valve DOHC, cast iron block.

www.mre-books.com/sa82/sa82_1.html

www.proweldperformanceparts.com/id18.html

www.musclemustangfastfords.com/tech/mmfp_0908_ford_modular_engine_history/index.html

Also if I've read my info correctly, Ford is going to make the 5.4 in the Shelby out of aluminum in 2011...right now it is just the heads.

I say alum..

al oh min eee um (british accent...)

The ford GT uses an all aluminum dry sump block, and we've all seen the 1000hp twin turbo one..