Aluminum block

Could this block be used in our cars? It is designed as a replacement for the late 80's GN turbo block.

Catalog page from TA Performance for Aluminum block
http://www.taperformance.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TA_V3800

600+ HP application of TA Performance Aluminum block
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/engine/buick_v6_turbo_block/index.html

Sorry, no. The 231 is not anything like the 3800. That's an 80's gn/t-type regal style block.

So if it was built like a 231 could it be put in a Riv with a supercharger instead of a Turbo or maybe with one like a GN?

I thought the 3800 was a 231. What is different?

sburch23 wrote:

So if it was built like a 231 could it be put in a Riv with a supercharger instead of a Turbo or maybe with one like a GN?

I thought the 3800 was a 231. What is different?

The displacement may be the same, but the engine block and internals are completely different. I'm sure it is possible, but it would take a lot of money and time. Not a simple retrofit.

It would defintely be expensive. The aluminum block alone is $4000.

What i am wondering is if you built a V-6 with that block, wouldn't it fit in our cars?

let me try and clear things up a little, i think i understand what "sburch23" is trying to ask. i dont think hes asking if anything from the series II/III will bolt on to the GN block, i think hes asking if he found the right parts to go on top of that block will the whole engine fit in a riv.

hopefully thats what hes asking...

I believe the dimensions of the block are somewhat different. Deck height and such. I know the 3800 uses the GM Metric bolt pattern for the transmission. The turbo V-6 block uses the BOP pattern, same as V-8's. The motor mounts have to be different for FWD. There are a lot of problems to overcome, but anything can be made to fit if you have the time, resources, and money

That is what I am asking. I knew nothing of the details of the two. I was just thinking of the weight savings of an aluminum block and heads and what that would do for performance.

I am just curious. It seems like I will have to add it my "if I will 100 million in the lottery" list. Thanks for be patient with the questions.

You can buy bolt-on aluminum heads for the 3800 Series II SC. ZZP sells them for $2200-2700 + shipping.