LASTLS1

iTrader: (7)

Has anyone else had any problems with their sleeved block? The first one dropped a sleeve (dry sleeve). Second one cracked the sleeve at the top of the cylinder. (dry sleeve). MTI gave me a new Darton wet sleeve block. This one has coolant leaking ALSO! Difference in the sleeve and the block is .003. Just enough to leak coolant when hot. Seems as the deck was not serfaced properly. I'm getting pretty tired of pulling the motor. Not to mention the car being down for most of last summer! Am I the only one having problems? Less than 1000 miles on the engine NO NITROUS! I'm so scared to put nitrous to this paper shortblock. I'm thinking a 402 iron block would have been a better choice. MTI gave sugestions on how (I) should repair the block or they said I should upgrade to a C5R? I didn't know you needed a C5R shortblock just to hold coolant. Anyways, has anyone else had any problems?

jrp

iTrader: (16)

hence the reason i'd only get a darton wetsleeve done by steve demirjian and none other. PM/email/call steve and see what he has to say about it.

MARKSZ71

iTrader: (3)

its the main reason im staying with a 346 to many coolant problems,email jason at mti and see what he says

LASTLS1

iTrader: (7)

I agree 100%. Had I known what I know now! It really sucks to waste money and time that you can never get back. BTW, I already talked to him. Great guy. I can't tell you what he told me. I just hope other peolple don't have to go though this.

LASTLS1

iTrader: (7)

Good idea! Or go with a iron block or what JRP said. JASON was the one who said to get a C5R and that told me how (I) should repair the bock.

JS

iTrader: (4)

LS2 or C5R is the only way to go....

jrp

iTrader: (16)

i know steve , he's told me the problems of darton blocks not done right. what was MTI's solution to fix the problems? also how old is your block?

Bo White

iTrader: (59)

I can see the cracking problem on a very few blocks because of core shift-which is why IMO 4.100 is the safest limit on a dry sleeve- but still do not get the dropping problems other shops have with dry sleeves . I guess I have them done differently than anyone else

LASTLS1

iTrader: (7)

Block was last installed I think june of 04. MTI's response was answered above. I really thought they were a better company. Oh well, I've made an apointment at a local machine shop. Hopefully it's just surfacing the bock. I sure hope the sleeves aren't moving. I just want it done right.

BLUEBYU

iTrader: (1)

My, My. I cannot even believe they are still selling that crap. I know my bro, hugger427, had the same crap happen to him last year. He surely posted about his experience, which is exactly like yours. He ended up spending big bucks on a C5R and his engine is out of the car again going through a complete rebuild with a local shop. Un...freakin'...believable! MTI should be prohibited from selling an obvious misdesign dry sleeve block.......

strokedls1

iTrader: (1)

Why not just get a ls2 sleaved block and sell the one you have. The ls2 coolant passage are not in direct contact with the sleeves therefore eliminating coolant seepage problems. Half the price of a c5r block and able to go 4.155 bore.

LASTLS1

iTrader: (7)

First mine is a Darton wet sleeve. Second I had NO IDEA this would be such a problem. For the amout of money you pay for them you would expect a good product. The whole purpose of this thread is to inform people who are about to spend their hard earned money! Had I known in the first place I would have bought an iron block or a C5R. STROKEDLS1.... I could have not said anything and sold the motor. Not my style. I wouldn't sell this boat anchor to anyone. I would rather eat the money and save someone the headache. Unlike MTI, it's not worth my reputation.

JF WS6

Good lord. I guess stroke the stock block, Iron 6.0 block or a LS2 block are the only choices really for us normal people. C5R is waaay too expensive.

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

Have you looked into doing a LS2 block and then rewiring the knock sensors?

11 Bravo

iTrader: (3)

I'm bumming for you man. So the problem was that the top of the sleeve was not flush with the deck? If so, was it lower or higher than the deck? I just want to make sure it is not some other problem, because my sleeves are flush.

LASTLS1

iTrader: (7)

Hi John. No I have not looked into another block yet. With the block being .003 out I'm hoping it can be corrected by decking the block .005. PRAYING that the sleeves aren't moving. I'm hoping it was just bad machine work on the deck surface. Who knows. I just got brand new custom pistons and rings for the motor. I would hate to have to take a loss on those also.

LASTLS1

iTrader: (7)

The sleeve at the back of the motor on the drivers side is flush at the 12:00 position but at the 5:00 position the block drops off .003. So the sleeve is higher at the 5:00 position by .003.

11 Bravo

iTrader: (3)

Well I know it doesn't help you, but it helps me. Thanks. I know there are two sides to every story, but if MTI sold you a defective block and does nothing, then that is weak. Even if you built/installed it, because you obviously did not do the machine work. They told you to buy a C5R block?

strokedls1

iTrader: (1)

I meant that you could deck the block and sell it. A wet sleeve block should cover the cost of a LS2 resleeve. Just an option so that you had piece of mind and wouldn't have to use special coolant and what not. That is why I went iron block.

GrannySShifting

iTrader: (10)

Yep Ive seen I personally, and personally seen them claim no responsibilty and that custoemrs were out $15,000 for a motor, "sorry about their luck" type response.