346 CID swap to the 427 CID C5R
#1
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346 CID swap to the 427 CID C5R
Right now, I've got the top end job from lingenfelter. I'm looking to upgrade to the C5R engine. Couple of questions. First, is it worth to spend the extra money and get the C5R block, or to do the Darton sleeved block. I've heard that there have been leaking problems with the sleeved block. Second, if I do go with the C5R block, what parts, if any, would be used from the engine right now. If pretty much all new parts are used, I was thinking I would just sell my engine as a whole to someone. Third, any idea how much I would be able to get for the whole engine? Keeping in mind that it already has the LPE top end job done to it. Finally, if parts are used from the original engine, how much would I be able to get for the LS1 block? Thanks a lot and I open to any suggestions. But I'm keeping it all natural. no turbos, no superchargers.
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Get a Darton MID wet sleeve setup. As long as you have a good shop that knows what they're doin, do the work, you'll be good to go. Those blocks are some strong sumbitches. That way you'd be able to keep A LOT of your accessories. Either way, C5R heads require a custom intake AFAIK.
#3
How long do Darton Wet-Sleeved blocks normally last on the street? 100k-150k miles? I know it's dependent on how you drive car, but I would like to know the average lifespan.
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If it were me, I would do the Darton block with the C5R heads. A custom intake is required. I think that if it were built properly and driven very tame, you could get as many miles out of it as you could any other LS1. However, tame driving isn't why one would put a 427 in their car. Just keep a good safe tune and change valvesprings and oil when you are supposed to and you should be in good shape. Oh yeah, buy controling stock in your favorite brand of tire too.
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If you can afford the C5R block get it. I havent seen a person regret that purchase yet. I have heard of the sleeves walking on the dartons but thats probably lack of builder knowledge. With a good builder you should be alright with the darton. You will need C5R heads to go along with the block and they are $$$ as well.
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If I had limitless funds, I would do a full C5-R setup. Head, block, custom intake, and so forth. If not, I would still consider stepping up to the C5-R block. It is expensive, but having a sleeve drop would be worse in my opinion. A C5-R block is about $5-6000 and a resleeve is $2500. You are talking about a $3500 difference on a $20K+ build. If I didn't want to do a lot of custom intake work, I would throw some ported LS6 heads or some AFR 225's on the engine and have fun. I am sure some people will disagree with my thoughts, but that's the way it goes.
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#8
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A Darton wet sleeve block has stronger cylinder walls. I don't think anyone can find anyone who has dropped one of those sleeves. As long as you use the correct coolant and head gasket it will be fine. Like JRP said, call Steve at RED and he can give you all the info, including it being stronger. If you have the cash, the C5R heads are the ultimate. But if you don't have C5R heads, don't call it a C5R like some do just because they have the block lol