Block Strength

[revingtosh]

Ive been reading Mr Vizards bible of late and was pondering the following:-

Its believed that the A+ is a stronger block than the A. The best block to use is the Metro Turbo one so i led to believe.

For a moderately high power engine , destined for occasional use road (and the odd trip to the drag strip)is the A Series up to the job?

The current motor in my Mini is a modded A Series, but im wondering if i should consider upgrading to a Metro Turbo block before it goes band?

Or are views on Block Strength aimed primarily at race engines and so i shouldnt worry?

Cheers,

Mike

[guru_1071]

much of a muchness really.

i use a series stuff becasue im using mk1's and like the look of the correct brackets on the alty etc.

trouble is that core is getting so dear and hard to find that you may be better using a a plus block - id have no hesitation using one.

i think the turbo block strentgh is a myth - ive never hear of anyone having problems with them,

certainly the two genuinly high powered motors (on engine dynos) that i now of use a plus blocks.

i think block fles is only really an issue on 1460 and above - the other problems assiciated with big boys like this mean that block flex is a small worry!

[Cooperman]

Just think, the original A-series block won the Monte Carlo, Alpine, RAC and many other International rallies. It also won the European Touring Car Championship and was used at all levels of club motor sport from 1960 until now. In historic motor sport the A+ unit is not allowed.
If it's not an 'S' block, just fit a centre main bearing strap if you want to use over about 6500 rpm on a regular basis. Otherwise you'll have no problems.