Brodix Block question

I have an Aluminum Brodix BBC and am wanting to put a blower on it. I currently run cast iron blocks and have no issues just wanting to save weight. I heard that the aluminum BBC blocks from Dart and Brodix cannot handle anything more that 800 HP which I plan on being around 2500 or hopefully more. Does anybody know anything about this? I don't wanna spend a bunch of money on crank and everything else and grenade this thing. Thanks

 

I have a customer with a 540ci Brodix block in a 2650# car that runs 6.70@210. No problems. Littlefield LB20. I think the block is good to 2500HP.

 

Not a Brodix Block

I run a blown roots sbc with 40lbs. The brodix block will not hold up! Ordered a solid block from them, ran it 10 passes pulled it down to check bearings and found a crack from main up between sleeves. Called them and told them with 10 passes the block was cracked, drove to there plant so they could look at it. They wanted to build me a new block and send it off to have something called HIP done to it. cost of new block was the same, and they would HIP it at no cost. that block lasted 31 passes then boom, didn't kick a rod out or tare anything else up, just pulled the mains out. Called them back and the answer I get is "wow that block is tore up, we can make you a new one and knock a few hundred off the price" They have not told me that I am making too much power for block, even found a thread where there tech guy told someone it will hold over 2000 HP. Just thought I would share my experience with brodix blocks. Here are a few pics of the block with 31 1/8 mile passes, no nitro or major tune up errors.

http://s1113.photobucket.com/user/teammouse/library/

 

Brodix block

Actually Anthony that's why I was on here asking. Saw what happened to ya at Mokan. Billy from sudden debt. Kinda sucks we really wanna save the weight with this block but just a little nervous

 

Do yourself a huge favor and sell that block to a NOS racer or bracket racer, it will be fine for them. If you want to run a BBC get a New Century Block they are cross bolted like a hemi, and you can get them full water, half solid or full solid.

 

Agree. Billet better but if cost is a factor, at least get a cross bolted main. Brodix, Dart or Donovan stock replacement block will not hold up long at 2500 HP +.

 

I don't think comparing an mouse to a rat is a good example. I mean, just look at the small block. There is really no where to add extra beef. It's inevitable that it would crack sooner than later no matter the name on it. Naturally we push it to and beyond it's limits soooo..........

Dave Koehler
http://www.koehlerinjection.com

 

Get the new century block i do a lot of block repairs.I have fixed Brodix and Dart blocks with cracked mains that were not blown up.

 

Block

I was thinking kinda the same thing as far as sbc compared to bbc and how much actual material is there. This block does has the 2 outside main bolts slanted at an angle. Do you guys think its still risky??

 

Block

Dont mean to hijack the thread, what about the afermarket iron blocks, Dart, Merlin? What are they rated at? I understand you are trying to cut weight.

Ray

 

Im not sure what they are rated at but I have heard that they can handle the HP that im wanting to give them as long as they are filed or solid.

 

New Century with 1/2" head studs and be done if you have to have a chevy platform .

 

Have a blown alky brodix alum block. 565 cubes 29 pounds at 26 degs timing. Cracked all the mains out of it. Stay away... now my question is merlin 4 or dart?

 

You need a block with cross bolted mains - New Century - KB Olds style with hemi style bottom end....otherwise you will probably have issues with the main web area...

 

Another vote for the New Century. What wasn't mentioned yet is the in addition to the cross bolted mains, the head studs go deep into the block near the mains further strengthening the block.

I broke a crank in two last year at 8400rpm and didn't hurt the block probably wouldn't have been so lucky with a conventional block.

 

I agree for a blown bbc the new century will handle everything you can throw at it! I run one myself and know first hand also that not only is it a quality piece but Lowell at new century is not only very knowledgeable and very helpfull but a pleasure to deal with!

 

One other thing worth mentioning...I had a KB Olds block (bought new from KB) block and had oiling issues....nothing wrong with the New Century or KB Olds blocks...but I had bearing issues - blue crank - etc....
1/8 mile slight bearing flaking
1000 ft - worse
1/4 mile - blue crank and bearings chewed up

It ended up being the return path from heads to the pan was poor due to the head design...the drain back holes in the Dart 360 heads ran into the deck surface and the oil had to run uphill to finally get to the oil pan....seems like I used 12 quarts back then but could have been less....anyway....run plenty of oil and make sure the return path from the heads is a straight shot (modify head or block if needed)

 

I run 12° profilers and have external oil return lines going into the pan, no bearing issues.