Blew my motor and I was looking into getting my blocked machined into a 383. However, I REALLY REALLY want bigger cubes. So i've been throwing around the idea of waiting and getting what I really want and going with some Darton sleeves.

I call up a local machine shop called CRD Engine Devlopment. They do alot of Rolex Cup motors and have won a few championships.

They have done about 40 Darton sleeves. However, they said they don't like doing them in the LS1 because when they bore out they hit the water journals.
(making it a wet sleeve vs. a dry sleeve right?)

Anyways, he said they could do it on a LS6 and he has a stock of them for $850.

My main question for you can a LS1 block work? If not will the LS6 block suffice or should i dig around for a used LS2. I was wanting to save as much as i can although i know this is not a budget endevor and not have to convert to a LS2.

And is the Evans Water pump required?

 

why not grab an lq4 or 9 for dirt cheap and build yourself a 408? also there are a few vendors on here that sell 402/408/427 shortblocks for like 3200 shipped with a good bottom end. By the time you buy a block and build one yourself you could have a complete big cube motor sitting at your door step. plus recoup some money selling your ls1 block

 

I've considered it... but 3200 shipped??

Do tell AES was 3600 not counting crate and ship.

 

bump.

 

Give Steve at Race Engine Development a call... he'll answer all your questions about doing a Darton install on an LS1. I'll bet he's done as many as anybody in the U.S. Good luck.

760-630-0450