Dart Tech 1

This thread is for you all to learn about and ask any questions you have about the LS NEXT & SHP LS NEXT blocks.

If you are building something powerful, choosing the right engine block is one of the most important choices you will make. While LS enthusiasts have done amazing things with stock components, the stock block has its limitation and shortcomings.
We looked at these weaknesses and shortcomings and designed a whole new block that would give the LS platform the benefit of our decades of racing experience.

We have also created several different versions and options for our LS blocks. So, if you have questions on which one might be right for your application, ask away.

Here are a few key photos of the standard LS NEXT aluminum block and some of the key features:





• Skirted and non-skirted design option available.

• Priority main oiling system.

• Available in deck heights from 9.240” up to 9.950”.

• STD or raised .388” cam location.

• Cylinder barrels extended .375” at the bottom.

• Extra thick decks ensure reliable head gasket seal.

• Blind head bolt holes don’t go through to water jacket.

• Scalloped water jackets increase flow around cylinders for better cooling.

• Clearance for 4.100” stroke w/ steel rods.

• Splayed outer bolts on middle main bearing caps.

• LS and Gen I style motor mounts.

• Provisions for OE stock roller lifters and cam.

• Uses stock timing covers and stock rear cover.

• All OE bolt holes for starter, water pump, etc.

• Driver or passenger side starter mounts.

• Parts kit sold separately (PN: 32000017).

xXLindquistXx

iTrader: (7)

what are the estimated horsepower limits for the blocks? Iron vs Aluminum and SHP vs regular LS next?

Jontall

It's a beautiful block, but the price is very high and needs to come down if you want to sell a lot of these.

Dart Tech 1

1500 horsepower is about our recommended limit for the SHP block. It may take far more than that and I am sure people will push it past that, but that is our official recommendation right now.

If going beyond 1500 horsepower, we recommend our LS NEXT block. We believe it is the strongest LS block made.

Dart Tech 1

If price is of primary concern, consider the SHP block. Listed retail price on the SHP block is $2330. Our SHP blocks are ready to finish hone, clean and assemble. If you buy an LSX block, it still needs about $2000 in machine work to get it ready to assemble. We think our SHP LS NEXT block is the best value out there for a block of this capability.

KCS

iTrader: (20)

Are the bay windows below the cylinders completely gone on these blocks?

What kind of provisions are there for the knock/cam sensors? Are they like a Gen III or Gen IV block?

I like the push from Dart to get into the LS market. The LS3 heads seem to be really nice, and the crank I saw looks great as well!

Jontall

What about the windage tray and the cam retainer plate?

Bill00Formula

iTrader: (4)

Are there any moderately priced oil pans that can take advantage of the bay to bay breathing for 4th generation f-bodies? I have one your 2nd or third year blocks. Thanks

Dart Tech 1

Thanx KCS. Our block does not have windows between the bays and our block uses the front cover mounted cam sensors. There are no provision rear rear cam sensors.

We have windage trays for the SHP block available. The cam retainer plate comes with the block.

All of the popular oil pan companies make pans for our LS NEXT blocks. You will have to check with them on pricing. As a reminder, regular LS pans can be used with the LS NEXT blocks when the Moroso adapter is used. And, the SHP blocks use OEM style LS oil pans.

euroman

iTrader: (42)

Can you order the Ls Next block with 1/2 inch head studs or mains? Do you then have a kit for additional items, like freeze plugs, oil galley plugs, oil pressure bell, etc? or do you buy those individually?

Dart Tech 1

Yes, the larger main studs is an option and yes we do have a block kit with all of those items. Check with your dealer for pricing or give us a call direct and ask for Brandon.

BlackSS4thgen

I just picked up one of these Dart LS next blocks. This thing is a brute. I see the choice of running lsx lifter buckets? Where can those be found?
Also what is the recommended oil filter location on these? Just any standard oil filter relocation wit 10an oring fitings?

speedtigger

iTrader: (16)

I think Scoggins Dickey has the LSX lifter guides. I think the part number is
9166182. But you will want to double check that part number.

I think Roush/Yates and Jesel make their own versions too.

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

The SHP is very interesting at that price.

The ability to use the stock pan is a big plus for the f-body guys where the pan is used for the bellhousing support.

flyin

iTrader: (4)

If I were to purchase an SHP in the 4.00" bore, can that later be taken to your max bore of 4.185? Or are the water jackets different between the 4.00" and 4.125" versions?

Also, do the SHP use Gen IV head fasteners or does Dart have proprietary fasteners? What about main studs?

Thanks.

speedtigger

iTrader: (16)

The 4" bore blocks can be bored to 4.125. It is the same casting.

Dart recommends that you use their head studs. They have their own part number from ARP. These fasteners give maximum thread engagement and protect the deck from damage that could occur when using other fasteners.

fastlt1

iTrader: (4)

So what of my ls1 internals and sensors will not work with shp block

AINT SKEERED

iTrader: (2)

Well i think I made my decision on what to build.

BIGDRAGON

iTrader: (9)

Do you know what the parts number is for the ARP head studs and main studs?

AINT SKEERED

iTrader: (2)

for .you and anyone else. If you want to call dart with these questions, I can honestly say they are the best customer service I have ever dealt with for tech. Very good to deal with.
I would also definitely go studs for heads. I done bolts and they ended up to long. The block is blind bolt holes and will bottom out before my heads bolts got to tq. Had to double up washers. Will go studs if ever need to remove heads again