Gauging Interest in "BIG" CID LT1 Block
04-04-2009, 09:45 AM
#1
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Gauging Interest in "BIG" CID LT1 Block Gauging Interest in "BIG" CID LT1 Block
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Yesterday I called Dart to get their published flow numbers on a set of Dart heads I recently bought.
In the conversation with the Tech Support guy, he mentioned that Dart is "considering" casting one of their SHP blocks to become, essentially, a BIG CUBIC INCH LT1 block.
Dart would make the necessary modifications and cast the block to take the LT1 to the next level, but management was concerned about whether there would be enough of a market to defray the costs.
When I mentioned 4.125 bore as standard, his response was, "Oh, a 4.125" bore would be tiny compared to what Dart's considering".
So based on that, we're talking over 454 cubic inches with the new LT1 block which would accept all the LT1 accessories; including heads, intake manifolds, starter, alternator, water pump, Opti, power steering, etc., etc. He mentioned that it would probably be a two piece rear main seal arrangement.
Now, I didn't get many more details, like probable cost, etc., only that company management would have to gauge the demand before agreeing to move in that direction. Remember, this is only in the "consideration stage" right now.
I told the Tech guy that I'd post a thread like this one to see just how many guys would be interested in buying such a block. So if anyone's interested, post a response here and the Technican will review what's written and pass on the responses to management.
I intend to post this thread on several other Forums, too.
Just thought it might be of interest to some.
Jake
West Point Rocks!
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Yesterday I called Dart to get their published flow numbers on a set of Dart heads I recently bought.
In the conversation with the Tech Support guy, he mentioned that Dart is "considering" casting one of their SHP blocks to become, essentially, a BIG CUBIC INCH LT1 block.
Dart would make the necessary modifications and cast the block to take the LT1 to the next level, but management was concerned about whether there would be enough of a market to defray the costs.
When I mentioned 4.125 bore as standard, his response was, "Oh, a 4.125" bore would be tiny compared to what Dart's considering".
So based on that, we're talking over 454 cubic inches with the new LT1 block which would accept all the LT1 accessories; including heads, intake manifolds, starter, alternator, water pump, Opti, power steering, etc., etc. He mentioned that it would probably be a two piece rear main seal arrangement.
Now, I didn't get many more details, like probable cost, etc., only that company management would have to gauge the demand before agreeing to move in that direction. Remember, this is only in the "consideration stage" right now.
I told the Tech guy that I'd post a thread like this one to see just how many guys would be interested in buying such a block. So if anyone's interested, post a response here and the Technican will review what's written and pass on the responses to management.
I intend to post this thread on several other Forums, too.
Just thought it might be of interest to some.
Jake
West Point Rocks!
04-04-2009, 10:50 AM
#5
Yeah, it seems like a lot of us have hit a displacement wall with our engines. More money could be spent as we've already paid off our old stuff. For the average guy that already has a 383, taking his internals, a set of off the shelf forged pistons, and a 4.185 Dart block makes an 413ci engine. The 4" cranks guys would be at 440ci.
04-04-2009, 10:56 AM
#7
I would doubt if they'll go through with it. It's a lot of time & money in R&D to do this as the water passages are different. They'll look at the small and ever shrinking LT1 market.
For the amount of time, effort and money you'd spend to do this, you could have swapped to a LS style engine. Many shops are offering an LS engine that'll make better than 600 HP on pump gas. World has a complete build at 625.
For the amount of time, effort and money you'd spend to do this, you could have swapped to a LS style engine. Many shops are offering an LS engine that'll make better than 600 HP on pump gas. World has a complete build at 625.
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that would sound so nice big ci under the hood 
04-04-2009, 11:57 AM
#10
I think they have the means of building it and want to see if its worth while for them.
21 degree heads with a big inch dart blocks with a alot of compression would be somthing to see.
21 degree heads with a big inch dart blocks with a alot of compression would be somthing to see.
04-04-2009, 12:06 PM
#12
There have been a handful of companies that have talked about doing this over the past 10 years, but in the end there is never enough demand to justify the tooling costs associated with producing a block like this.
Don't get me wrong....I'd be all over one if it became available
But, the idea of a big bore LT1 block is most likely just false hope 
Jason
Don't get me wrong....I'd be all over one if it became available
But, the idea of a big bore LT1 block is most likely just false hope Jason
04-04-2009, 01:52 PM
#19
Heads are already the limiting factor for most lt1 builds. The poor selection of big power heads will be an even bigger problem with more cubes.
That being said, I would love to see it done! Imagine the insane tq of a well over 400ci lt1...
That being said, I would love to see it done! Imagine the insane tq of a well over 400ci lt1...
