Iron vs aluminum intake weights
March 17th, 2015, 04:15 PM
#2
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
And how is this a surprise? Iron vs Aluminum is obviously lighter than Iron when it comes to weight. Sorry.
Last edited by Allan R; March 18th, 2015 at 11:59 AM. Reason: change language
March 17th, 2015, 04:29 PM
#4
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Only time it's worth measuring is when you have to install one. If it's iron, call Arnold. If it's aluminum call your wife. 
Yeah, I know. It's a comparison thing, but honestly - did you think they were going to be even close?
Yeah, I know. It's a comparison thing, but honestly - did you think they were going to be even close?
March 17th, 2015, 05:48 PM
#5
Senior Moment Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,913
So, like you've never tried this to see how much weight you're saving? You're a liar if you say you didn't. I love this kind of confirmation stuff. You know you are doing a good thing but need confirmation on it. The scale thing is a great way to do it. Try a set of heads next! Nice going Ragger!
March 17th, 2015, 07:18 PM
#6
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Weight is one thing, I'll admit that. But also most of the stock intakes aren't as well set up for flow as the new aluminum ones are. That's the other key factor in this. No name calling please because I really never did that with an intake to compare. I didn't need it to know there's a sizable difference.
Heads would also be an interesting comparison I guess. I'm NOT criticizing Oldsragger doing this, I'm just stating that the difference in weight is fairly obvious. The stats he's generating for you are cool too if you want them.
The only thing I truly measured for weight was comparing a stock GM bumper to a repro cutout bumper for Wmachine (Kurt). They were close to identical and the only reason I did that was because he asked if I would.
Weighing parts isn't something I waste a lot of time on.
Heads would also be an interesting comparison I guess. I'm NOT criticizing Oldsragger doing this, I'm just stating that the difference in weight is fairly obvious. The stats he's generating for you are cool too if you want them.
The only thing I truly measured for weight was comparing a stock GM bumper to a repro cutout bumper for Wmachine (Kurt). They were close to identical and the only reason I did that was because he asked if I would.
Weighing parts isn't something I waste a lot of time on.
March 17th, 2015, 11:21 PM
#8
March 18th, 2015, 05:16 AM
#9
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 3,900
Weight is one thing, I'll admit that. But also most of the stock intakes aren't as well set up for flow as the new aluminum ones are. That's the other key factor in this. No name calling please because I really never did that with an intake to compare. I didn't need it to know there's a sizable difference.
Heads would also be an interesting comparison I guess. I'm NOT criticizing Oldsragger doing this, I'm just stating that the difference in weight is fairly obvious. The stats he's generating for you are cool too if you want them.
The only thing I truly measured for weight was comparing a stock GM bumper to a repro cutout bumper for Wmachine (Kurt). They were close to identical and the only reason I did that was because he asked if I would.
Weighing parts isn't something I waste a lot of time on.
Heads would also be an interesting comparison I guess. I'm NOT criticizing Oldsragger doing this, I'm just stating that the difference in weight is fairly obvious. The stats he's generating for you are cool too if you want them.
The only thing I truly measured for weight was comparing a stock GM bumper to a repro cutout bumper for Wmachine (Kurt). They were close to identical and the only reason I did that was because he asked if I would.
Weighing parts isn't something I waste a lot of time on.
March 18th, 2015, 09:34 AM
#11
I have a engine lifter tool, and its possible to balance a engine on the sides on it and it can will stay on its place, but the weight scale, i think i would need a solid weight if so.
Last edited by Oldsragger; March 18th, 2015 at 09:49 AM.
March 18th, 2015, 09:58 AM
#12
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,703
March 18th, 2015, 10:06 AM
#13
So im a no-brainer? Ok thank you. 
point was to Just show the weight diffrent only, or it could be another engine part if i had it aviable. Of course Iron is heavyer than aluminum, but somethimes its fun to see the number diffrents. 
(in my opinion)
point was to Just show the weight diffrent only, or it could be another engine part if i had it aviable. Of course Iron is heavyer than aluminum, but somethimes its fun to see the number diffrents. (in my opinion)
Last edited by Oldsragger; March 18th, 2015 at 12:48 PM.
March 18th, 2015, 11:36 AM
#16
Registered User
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Muenster, Germany
Posts: 64
Wow, so you lose 45 kilograms by swapping heads and intake to aluminum? Now the last thing we need to know is how much weight can be saved
by swapping the iron exhaust manifolds for headers because intake/heads/headers is what most people swap if they want some power…maybe another 30 kilograms? That would add up to 75 kilograms which is the weight of a smaller adult…something you would definitely feel in the acceleration...
by swapping the iron exhaust manifolds for headers because intake/heads/headers is what most people swap if they want some power…maybe another 30 kilograms? That would add up to 75 kilograms which is the weight of a smaller adult…something you would definitely feel in the acceleration...
March 18th, 2015, 11:56 AM
#17
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 404
Lets substitute the word "obvious" for "no-brainer". I'm sure it wasn't intended, but it does sound insulting. I found the original post interesting. I weighed my W30 intake vs cast iron also, 25 years ago, don't remember the numbers.
March 18th, 2015, 11:58 AM
#18
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,703
Aluminum parts aren't always lighter than iron or steel. What most people don't realize is that the specific stiffness for aluminum and steel are the same - steel is three times stiffer that aluminum and has three times the density. For an optimized design in each, the differences in weight will be negligible.
Also, when you get to high-strength steels and aviation-grade aluminum alloys, the strength-to-weight ratios are also about the same, so again for an optimized design they should both weigh about the same. This is why I'm skeptical of Ford's weight savings claims on the new F-150. Apparently, the savings in real life aren't nearly the 700 lbs that the original articles claim.
Aluminum is lighter when the part being manufactured has minimum wall thicknesses that don't allow an optimized design, such as the intake manifold in the original post.
Also, when you get to high-strength steels and aviation-grade aluminum alloys, the strength-to-weight ratios are also about the same, so again for an optimized design they should both weigh about the same. This is why I'm skeptical of Ford's weight savings claims on the new F-150. Apparently, the savings in real life aren't nearly the 700 lbs that the original articles claim.
Aluminum is lighter when the part being manufactured has minimum wall thicknesses that don't allow an optimized design, such as the intake manifold in the original post.
March 18th, 2015, 12:03 PM
#20
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,703
In the aerospace industry, the term "no-brainer" is simply slang that is synonymous with "obvious" and is not intended to be insulting. Unfortunately, that's a U.S. thing that probably doesn't translate well. Sorry about that.
March 18th, 2015, 12:29 PM
#21
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
x2
oldsragger - no insults were intended. The term is a north american colloquialism probably like some of the ones you use in your country to describe some things. Hope all is good.
oldsragger - no insults were intended. The term is a north american colloquialism probably like some of the ones you use in your country to describe some things. Hope all is good.
March 18th, 2015, 12:39 PM
#22
Dont worry, my english understanding can be a little misunderstand or slow somethimes, it's still interesting to read and learn
I will weight the orginal exhaust manifolds too,but later, but they are from a SBO, im not sure if BBO manifolds are diffrent.
Compare to some headers i have.
I will weight the orginal exhaust manifolds too,but later, but they are from a SBO, im not sure if BBO manifolds are diffrent.
Compare to some headers i have.
Last edited by Oldsragger; March 18th, 2015 at 02:53 PM.
March 18th, 2015, 03:20 PM
#24
Hookers under Hood
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,543
Great thread oldsragger, I'm always looking to drop a few pound off my 76 cutlass supreme. I didn't weigh the parts I removed, didn't notice much difference with the headers over the manifolds (SBO) handling them. It would be good to know. I noticed a big difference when swapping out the factory starter to the powermaster mini starter . Also going with the miloden aluminum water pump. I'll be swapping my 3 row copper rad out for a 2 row aluminium which should help just with coolant weight alone. Geez I had factory aluminium rear brake drums and wiring in my 1978 monte carlo imagine that.
Hope this thread keeps going with weight saving parts.
Cheers
Eric
Hope this thread keeps going with weight saving parts.
Cheers
Eric
Last edited by 76olds; March 18th, 2015 at 03:29 PM.
March 18th, 2015, 03:45 PM
#25
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Dallas-Fort Worth
Posts: 3,129
My 67-455 was built with a Torker, Edelbrock heads, Hooker headers, and an aluminum radiator. Besides to the power gains from the loss of weight and the highly modified engine, I feel that my biggest gain was in keeping the beast running on the cool side.I understand aluminum dissipates heat much faster and with the Suburban aluminum radiator that I choose, a Mr Gasket adjustable thermostat the engine runs between 155-175 degrees. It will run 180-190 tops in 100 degree Texas heat in traffic. I believe the other bonus running cool is I manage to get 36 degrees total advance timing on 93 octane with 10.5 compression no pings at all.
March 18th, 2015, 05:09 PM
#26
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Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 3,900
March 18th, 2015, 07:09 PM
#27
Senior Moment Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,913
Weight is one thing, I'll admit that. But also most of the stock intakes aren't as well set up for flow as the new aluminum ones are. That's the other key factor in this. No name calling please because I really never did that with an intake to compare. I didn't need it to know there's a sizable difference.
Heads would also be an interesting comparison I guess. I'm NOT criticizing Oldsragger doing this, I'm just stating that the difference in weight is fairly obvious. The stats he's generating for you are cool too if you want them.
The only thing I truly measured for weight was comparing a stock GM bumper to a repro cutout bumper for Wmachine (Kurt). They were close to identical and the only reason I did that was because he asked if I would.
Weighing parts isn't something I waste a lot of time on.
Heads would also be an interesting comparison I guess. I'm NOT criticizing Oldsragger doing this, I'm just stating that the difference in weight is fairly obvious. The stats he's generating for you are cool too if you want them.
The only thing I truly measured for weight was comparing a stock GM bumper to a repro cutout bumper for Wmachine (Kurt). They were close to identical and the only reason I did that was because he asked if I would.
Weighing parts isn't something I waste a lot of time on.
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