by 
The Curious Bag
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Engine blocks form the structural foundation of your motor. These heavy metal lumps must withstand hundreds of degrees in temperature, thousands of PSI in pressure, and millions of heat cycles while performing reliably for years on end.
Function
An engine block houses the rotating assembly (crankshaft, rods and pistons), and provides a mounting point for the cylinder heads. The contain combustion pressure, and must contain dozens of passages for engine coolant and oil.
Materials
Most engine blocks are made of cast iron, which due to its carbon content may be considered steel by some. Others can be made of aluminum, beryllium alloy, or magnesium alloy.
Casting
Cylinder blocks are usually made using an investment casting process. Investment casting utilizes a sand-like silicate to form the block's internal passages during the casting process, and is washed out after cooling.
Machining
After casting, an engine goes to a computer-controlled machining station, where excess material is cut away to form smooth mounting surfaces for the engine's various components.
Storage
Engine blocks that are not put into immediate usage are often coated with a petroleum jelly-like substance called cosmolene, which prevents rust and corrosion.
Source:
Resource:
Production of an Engine (Video)
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