On Fri, 9 Jan 2009 19:34:01 -0800 (PST), "
wrote:

Okay, then YOU name the damn things!

Right now I got a couple questions: VW heads are nearly pure
aluminum. I've got a pile of the things but odds are, every single
one of them is worth a $25 bill... or will be. Point is, I don't much
care for the idea of cutting them and melting them down.

When I make something SERIOUS out of aluminum I usually use old
pistons, which is a pretty hard alloy with a MUCH lower heat-transfer
ability than VW heads.

So what's a good alloy? Ideally, something cheap & commonly available
(and doesn't say 'Coors'!)

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Second question: Rocket Man heads needum' rockers. I wuz thinking of
using Chebby 1.3 break-in rockers. Any better ideas? (Or rather,
any ideas at all?)

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-Bob

70 years ago there was an english inline 4 which has some surprisingly
state of the art aspects to the design.
it was called the gypsy major.
heads were cast out of "Y" metal. which is an aloominum alloy with
some exotic stuff in it.
those engines put out 140hp.

the use of auto engine rockers from an engine that could turn 9,000rpm
seems to have a lot going for it.
the use of auto pistons and rings has a lot going for it as well.
....and con rods.

incorporation of auto engine parts is a successfully trod path.
the jabiru engines have a number of similar included components.

Stealth Pilot