Two rapidly solidified and mechanically milled Al–Mn–Si alloys and one Al–Fe–V–Si alloy were consolidated both in monolithic form and as-reinforced with 20wt.%SiC particulate (SiC p ). The microstructure of the alloys has been determined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Vickers hardness has been measured in the as-forged condition, after heat treatment for 100h at 550°C and after heat treatment for up to 3100h at 425°C (the latter for unreinforced alloys only). The heat treatments at 550°C were used to investigate the formation of Al 13 Fe 4 in the Al–Fe–V–Si alloys. Elevated temperature properties of the alloys have been investigated by comparing the tensile mechanical properties at 20°C and 350°C for all alloys. The significance of these results for microstructural stability at elevated temperatures, operating strengthening mechanisms and the effects of SiC p reinforcement in such alloy systems, are discussed.