Magnesium Engines???
 

DEARBORN, Feb. 23, 2003 (FCN) --
Magnesium, once used to make pistons in
early Model Ts, may be on the verge of a
comeback in Ford engines. A critical step in
evaluating the lightweight metal for potential
use in engine components takes place early
next year when dynamometer tests commence
on a prototype magnesium-intensive Ford
Duratec25 V-6 engine.

The project is a collaborative effort among
Ford, General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and 40
suppliers through the United States Council for
Automotive Research (USCAR) -- a
partnership established by the Big Three and
partially funded by the U.S. government to
further strengthen the technology base of the
domestic auto industry through cooperative,
pre-competitive research.

The current interest in magnesium has been spurred by several developments.
Among the most prominent are cost and automakers_ quest for lightweight
components. Although lighter than aluminum, magnesium historically has been about
30 percent more expensive. But recent low-cost extraction processes, particularly in
China, are driving down the price of magnesium while the cost of aluminum is rising.

_It_s possible that we_ll see comparable
costs for both metals within the next
couple of years,_ said John Allison,
Ford senior technical leader.

Given a level price field versus
aluminum, magnesium_s weight-saving
potential becomes even more
attractive. For example, it_s estimated
that the Duratec25 would shed 30 to 35
percent of its weight if the engine block,
oil pan and front cover were made of
magnesium.

At today_s prices, though, a magnesium
intensive engine would carry a cost penalty of $1 to $2 per pound of weight saved.
However, that still might prove to be a good near-term business case for luxury
brands and high-performance models. In fact, Ford researchers already are
discussing the potential of magnesium-alloy engine components with Jaguar, Volvo
and Aston Martin.

I hope they know what they are doing. I know that magnesium is lighter, but it also has a lower melting temperature, and it also EXPENSIVE. I could see a few reasons why this could work, but mainly, it would involve so many other factors that I would not know where to begin.

Magnesioum mixed with strontium makes for a very strong metal, stronger and ligheter than aluminum...and mag wheels are still produced....current ford mustang GT's have mag wheels