What is the purpose of an engine block?
Engine blocks can be made of anything from iron to beryllium alloy and form the basic foundation of any engine. This is the one component that practically every other crucial component is either bolted to or rests on inside.FunctionEngine blocks house the rotating assembly (crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons and cam on push-rod motors), and provide a foundation for the cylinder heads.WeightThe weight of an automotive engine block can vary from four-cylinder 45 lb. featherweights, to massive diesel blocks that can tip the scales at nearly 700 lbs.Overhead Cam vs. Push-RodPush-rod engines use a block mounted camshaft to actuate the valves via a series of rods and levers. Overhead cam engines (OHC or DOHC) house the cams above the cylinder heads.MaterialThough most engine blocks are made of nodular or cast iron, many factory performance engines are made of solid aluminum alloy.