A gray cast iron member includes 2.2 2.8 weight % C, 2.3 3.5 weight % Si, 0.2 0.8 weight % Mn, up to 0.1 weight % P, up to 0.15 weight % S, 0.6 1.4 weight % Cu, up to 0.5 weight % Mo, up to 0.3 weight % Cr, and the balance substantially Fe, Si/C being 0.95 or more, (Si/C)/Cu being up to 1.5. Preferably, it further includes at least one of Ni, Sn, V, Sb and N each in an amount of up to 0.3 weight %.