[6pack] Aluminum Engine Plates

[Navarrette, Vance]

        John:

        Don't forget about fatigue resistance. Aluminum has poor fatigue life
compared to steel. While the front engine plate is lightly stressed and would
be a good candidate for replacement, the rear plate is what melds the engine
into a single unit. The front of the engine and the rear of the tranny are
supported, but there is not support near the rear engine plate.
        I would worry about flex between the two components, and resulting
cracks in the plate. I think to really answer that questions would require
some stress analysis. Intuitively, it seems questionable as to the longevity
of an identical rear plate fabricated from alloy. Just my $0.02.

        Vance


    Vance Navarrette
    Cogito Ergo Zoom
    I think, therefore I go fast

-----Original Message-----
From: 6pack-bounces+vance.navarrette=intel.com at autox.team.net
[mailto:6pack-bounces+vance.navarrette=intel.com at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of
John Cyganowski
Sent: Sunday, September 07, 2008 5:47 PM
To: 6pack at autox.team.net
Subject: [6pack] Aluminum Engine Plates

Hi All-

Looking for some thoughts on the aircraft grade aluminum engine plates?  The
front one and the Transmission support plate.  Are these strong enough?

John Cyg