Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
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Old Nov 6, 2023 | 10:12 PM
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Default Darton Sleeves

I’ve just had Darton dry sleeves installed on a ls1 block and bored to suit a 4.155 piston. One area that concerns me is that when the sleeves got machined, the are where the sleeves meet each sleeve in the middle has been machined into the water jackets slightly in the course of fitting the sleeves.
The machinist and engine builder both seemed to think this was fine. To me I don’t know how it would seal properly. Now you have coolant also directly in contact with the sleeve sides.
It might be ok but I have no idea myself.

Any thoughts?
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 01:14 AM
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Do you have pictures of what your talking about?
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 11:20 AM
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Are you sure it’s an ls1 block? And not an “ls” type block? Cause… if that’s the case the whole enchilada is probably trash.


https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...-sleeving.html
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 03:24 PM
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It’s is a standard Ls1 block and these sleeves were put in it. The block is a gen3
DARTON 300-027-SF/DFSLEEVE CHEV LS SINGLE FLANGE 4.110 BORE X 4.325 OD

Last edited by blkvzss; Nov 7, 2023 at 03:35 PM.
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 04:05 PM
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Just my .02. I had Steve at Race Engine Development in CA Darton sleeve a LS2 block so I could stroke to 427 cubes. Steve at the time (7-8 years ago) would only do a dry sleeve. I would check with Steve.
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 04:31 PM
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Originally Posted by blkvzss
I’ve just had Darton dry sleeves installed on a ls1 block and bored to suit a 4.155 piston. One area that concerns me is that when the sleeves got machined, the are where the sleeves meet each sleeve in the middle has been machined into the water jackets slightly in the course of fitting the sleeves.
The machinist and engine builder both seemed to think this was fine. To me I don’t know how it would seal properly. Now you have coolant also directly in contact with the sleeve sides.
It might be ok but I have no idea myself.

Any thoughts?
It’s my understanding after talking with Steve at RED through the years, that you cannot dry sleeve a Gen3 block, because the Gen3 blocks do not have siamesed cylinders, like the Gen4 blocks do. There’s no material between the cylinders to machine the sleeves into. Therefore wet sleeving is the only option. You cannot set a dry sleeve down into the water jackets. Just won’t ever seal.
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 08:19 PM
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Thanks all. I’ve emailed Darton and they said the same about sealing and those sleeves aren’t for the Gen 3 blocks.
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by blkvzss
Thanks all. I’ve emailed Darton and they said the same about sealing and those sleeves aren’t for the Gen 3 blocks.
Ive got a spare Gen4 Darton Sleeved block, if your looking for one. PM me if so.
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Old Nov 7, 2023 | 10:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Che70velle
Ive got a spare Gen4 Darton Sleeved block, if your looking for one. PM me if so.
‘Thanks mate, unfortunately iam in Australia.
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Old Nov 8, 2023 | 05:36 PM
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Originally Posted by blkvzss
‘Thanks mate, unfortunately iam in Australia.
No problem. Thats why they call it SHIPping!!
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