Persistent research and development in the aluminum die casting processes have paid off in large volume production of aluminum engine blocks that withstand the severest field trials and give fine performance under rigid test conditions. The lighter weight and superior characteristics of this material, as compared with gray iron, and the cost savings afforded by the die casting process would seem to predicate its almost universal acceptance for engine blocks, but economic restrictions and lack of applicable engine design must be hurdled before it can dominate materials selection on its own merits.
