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Update: CFE just forwarded this pic of the new block mocked up with CFE’s symmetrical-port heads and a custom intake manifold. This will be the foundation for a new engine that Steve Summers will campaign in his record-setting Camaro. Forcing air into that big throat will be a pair of turbos. Watch for more updates on EngineLabs.
To keep up with rising power levels, especially in high-boost applications, CFE Racing Products developed a new BBC-based cylinder block that integrates performance and durability features usually found in Top Fuel engines.
Designed with 5.000-inch bore spacing and constructed from 6061 T6 billet aluminum, this block features deep side skirts and 4-bolt, cross-bolted mains.
“We’re building a more sound foundation for the horsepower levels these engines are capable of generating,” explains CFE product specialist Scott Keiffer, noting that the block is capable of handling around 3,000 to 4,000 horsepower and was first tested by champion racer Steve Summers in his twin-turbo Camaro.
The block features traditional BBC bellhousing pattern and supports many components designed for a big-block Chevy. Note the 1.062-inch bronze lifter bushings.
Available with or without water jackets, the block comes with a cam location raised one inch over a factory big-block Chevy, and the cam bearing size can be ordered from 55mm up to 70mm. The largest recommended bore is 4.750-inch, and it can be ordered in just about any deck height. Other features include dry-sump-oiling and starter mounting is available from either side.
The key structural feature is the cross-bolted steel main caps.
On the left is the new CFE block and on the right is a typical Top Fuel block. Note the similar main-cap mounting strategies.
“We’re giving up some advantages of oil throwoff with a pan kickout, like you would have in Pro Stock,” says Keiffer. “The block skirting obviously isn’t going to allow that. But what you’re giving up in pan design is greatly increased by the capacity of a stronger block.”
The main studs are huge 9/16-inch while the cross bolts are 1/2-inch.
The block can be ordered with or without water jackets.
“This design has been proven in the fuel and alcohol cars,” says Keiffer. “All we did was take that design concept and implement it into a Chevy block.”
The block is built to support big-block Chevy components designed for 5-inch bore spacing, such as CFE symmetrical-port Pro Stock style heads and manifold.
“We can offer various valve angles, depending on the objectives,” adds Keiffer.
Unlike CFE’s radical LS-hybrid block that features an enclosed cam tunnel and nine cam bearings, this block follows the conventional BBC pattern with five cam journals.
“It’s easier to service,” says Keiffer, adding that the block comes with 1.062-inch bronze alloy lifter bushings in conventional locations. “But could we package it as an option…possibly.”
The first racer to try the new CFE block was Steve Summers, who campaigns a twin-turbo Camaro in the NMCA Pro Street class.
