Boosted One

iTrader: (6)

I'm at a toss up now. I'm really considering buying a set of Dart 225s for my turbo project. I have a set of stock 317s already, but I'm reading up on the Darts and it appears that the decks are not much thicker than stock castings. They are a better material though, and therfore don't have to be as thick. What do you guys think? I can get a set of Darts done for about $1500. Is it worth it?? Or should I just run the 317s and call it a day??

Thanks for any insight,
Frank

52172

iTrader: (2)

How much power you planning on making?

Boosted One

iTrader: (6)

I would love to see 800rwhp, but 700 is my realistic goal. The car is just over 3000lbs so it should be a fun ride either way!

98Z28CobraKiller

iTrader: (17)

I believe that the Darts have a much thicker deck than the stockers which should help.

Boosted One

iTrader: (6)

I haven't been able to find that info yet. I read somewhere that someone thought they were 1/2" thick. I know the AFRs etc. are 3/4" Anyone know how thick the stockers are? I just tried to mic a set, but couldn't get my mic in the water port to check it. They do appear to be less than 1/2" though.

Steve-O

iTrader: (1)

i say run the 317 and save for afr or trickflow heads later after you see what numbers the 317 make

HUNTER02SS

iTrader: (24)

I had a set of Dart225's on my old motor. Made over 900rwhp, BUT after a few months of beating on it, started pushing water and then got them o-ringed, and pretty much solved the problem. 7-800rwhp you will be fine as long as the tune is good.

Josh@KY-Turbo

iTrader: (120)

Darts are good to a point but dont have the deck thickness that AFR, Trickflow, and such have. Like Chris Said. Get them O-ringed and you are golden. There are several sets of Dart heads for Bargins in the FS section.

Boosted One

iTrader: (6)

Thanks for the great info guys! I ended up ordering some 225's. Now I'm curious about the o-ring deal. I guess now would be the time to do it. How does it work and how much does it normally cost? They basically cut a round groove in the head and set an o-ring in it right?

Thanks,
Frank

86cutlass350

why not just o-ring the 317?

Josh@KY-Turbo

iTrader: (120)

Alot of guys O-Ring the 317's. I am tossing around Dart 225's or 317's. Both will be O-Ringed.

uphigh07

iTrader: (48)

ok i have a question about the O-ring process, if you get your head o ringed is it around every cylinder or the whole head? you still run a head gasket dont you or no?

Jontall

Around each cylinder.

NemeSS

iTrader: (127)

what gaskets and wire used with??

uphigh07

iTrader: (48)

ok so if there o ringed do you still use a stock gasket or is there some speical gasket that gets used?

Mike 01WS6

I believe most just get the wire run around each cylinder on the head, use a stock MLS gasket...bolting the heads down on top which crushes the gasket further where the wire sits, creating a tighter seal.

At least thats how Mike Brown did it back in the day. The heads can still warp though, keep that in mind. They're not any stronger, just seal tighter with this method.

Boosted One

iTrader: (6)

Anyone care to say what the average cost is to have a pair of heads O-ringed?

E-Works

iTrader: (4)

i came from the turbo 2.3 ford 4cyl and this has been an ongoing issue for years. Orings just band aid a problem wich is 99% of the time a bad tune. Rattle it once and u lift the head end of story. O ringing it will just help u mask the problem and the thicker heads do the same thing. I realize that cylinder pressure can be an issue but realistically at what point? Anyone have and data?