Dart ls next block
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.
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Langdon,AB
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!!
Either way, as mentioned, Dart comes to play!!
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On The Tree
Joined: Oct 2012
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Last edited by 214Chevelle; Jan 11, 2014 at 02:33 PM.
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.
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.
FormerVendor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 250
Likes: 1
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FormerVendor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 250
Likes: 1
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.
4.200" bore part #'s 26473R and 26473L. You have to get 1 each right and left.