DeTomaso Mailing List: April 99, Message #82

Anders, the Fontana block is $4000 (US), often used for Outlaw Sprint-car 
racing (on dirt ovals). It is a siamesed-bore 4-bolt-main aluminum block that 
has been designed for 750-and-up-horsepower racing. Dependable as a brick 
unless you rev it to 10,000.... It takes a 351C-type crankshaft but the 
oiling system is 351 Windsor. It uses a Fontana-designed front cover similar 
to the 351W. Most guys use a forged steel crank and overbore the things for 
up to 440 cubic inches. The cam is 351W-sized, but the block can be machined 
for Boss 429 camshaft needle bearings (to be used only on steel cams). 
Dry-sump oiling, I believe. Dunno if an internal oil pump will easily work. 
Regard it as an aluminum 351W or SVO block as far as bolting it into a 
Pantera. There are several running around in Panteras, including at the 
Silver State open road race.  Anyone throwing one away? 
J DeRyke (too poor to buy but I can dream....)