mike13

iTrader: (27)

any news on the actual release of the aluminum block? People say it's out but haven't actually seen one for sale.

Blown06

iTrader: (32)

A splayed 4-bolt set up is much stronger than the straight 4-bolt + 2 side bolts.

trans2000am

iTrader: (49)

ball park price to build that same motor vs the lsx complete intake to oil pan?

thanks

xLBx

iTrader: (15)

Aluminum version is 5200 bux for just the block. You will also require a oil pan spacer if using the stock pan add 300 bux.

mike13

iTrader: (27)

a lot of money but if the block is ready to go without much machining and issues.

xLBx

iTrader: (15)

That is true. Gotta pay to play

z28adiction

iTrader: (1)

Iron block looks like a great deal if the machine work to finish is minimal as stated above. Will the 1/2 stud version hold the heads down under high boost like a 6 bolt lsx block will seems to not be as big of a problem now with the new head gaskets and such but say 25+psi.

Unobtainium

Looks like another great option. The aluminum price seems like its pretty close to a billet block though. Wondering if saving the 100lbs could be done for less than $3000 elsewhere on your ride...
Either way, as mentioned, Dart comes to play!!

hellbents10

iTrader: (10)

Aluminum block will be less then half of a billet version.

slowlsx

iTrader: (28)

Which platform would be cheaper to build a short block out of? The iron dart ls next or the lastblock?

214Chevelle

Spoke to Dart personally. The "aluminum" blocks are already out and being released with a ship date of mid to late January. Not sure who all of the vendors are, but after I got of the phone with Dart, I called Jegs. Per Jegs, yes, you can place an order right now, today, if you want and it will ship somewhere about January 20th-ish. Correct, they are $5200 large. Per Dart, the part # for the 4.125 bore version is #31937211.

xLBx

iTrader: (15)

Oil Pan Adapter PN 62230001

02SOMWS6

iTrader: (6)

WOW thats alot of coin...makes me think about going the ERL route

C Murda

iTrader: (24)

that much for this thing??? isnt to far at all from the billet block.. if you're spending that much you might as well go billet and have it made your way

The Guy in MY 99TA

$10,000 and $5,200 are a big difference if you ask me...

hellbents10

iTrader: (10)

Right and the billet starts at 10k and with options will be more like 12-13k.

LS1NOVA

iTrader: (12)

If I was in the market for a big hp lightweight block. Dart aluminum would be my choice. I dont like the deck of an ERL block after they put the sleeves in. Leaves some funky parting lines inbetween the cylinders and we have been having head gasket issues right at that spot.

Quick Carl

You are going to have a parting line between the cylinders on any sleeved block (Dart, RHS, Billet, LS7, etc) unless the cylinders are cast as 1 piece insert or cast into the block with aluminum above the cast iron like some OEM's.
Unless you change the head bolt pattern from an LS the bolt spacing where the bores are Siamese the spacing is 4.330" and the 6-bolt design doesn't help any in that area between the cylinders on any block. If you are having issues between the cylinders you may need to look at a different gasket arrangement or thicker head to minimize deflection.

LS1NOVA

iTrader: (12)

Very true. Had the image of the iron Dart in my head.

Had gasket problems with Cometic MLS gaskets and TFS 235 6 bolt heads right in between the cylinders. Going to try MLX gaskets this time.

Quick Carl

I have always had good luck with the Fel Pro head gasket. The only bummer is that they only come in 4.100" or 4.200" bores, so you have to go 4.200" on most builds.
4.200" bore part #'s 26473R and 26473L. You have to get 1 each right and left.