J-rod thanks for the info but I still don't see what joins the inner and outer deck surface together? If the headbolts are what is doing the job no thanks

 

Sorry Baddmood, I did not see the last question before. J-Rod answered correctly, now, are you concerned about cylinder walls moving in higher hp applications? I honestly don't know how the LS1 block will handle that, but we are going to find out very soon. Did you see earlier threads where we were discussing the same sleeves in an Ecotech 4 cyl block? we have done serious testing on that combination, over 1000hp, and 35+psi of boost! but, Wade made a good point, that block is not an LS1. Keep in mind we have to do several block modifications to get an Ecotech to live at that power level, the sleeves are unaffected, and we anticipate the same for the LS1, but it has not been tested yet. This brings me back to my earlier question, what power level and boost level do you want to see this get tested at?

Wade - we were talking 450-500, but when I got back to the shop, I did find a dyno sheet from an engine that made 550, so I moved my estimate up a little, I feel very comfortable at that level, but I believe we were discussing what the sleeves, or block would do at much higher levels, and under boost. So tell me Wade, what power and boost level would you like to see this block get tested to? We are also seeing bore size issues in the gaskets, but it is in the gaskets, not the sleeves. Should have that solved real soon.

Ed

 

Sorry Dave, I keep getting all of you guys mixed up!! I was giving MattG a hard time in another thread, because I thought it was Barry. I like all you guys at ARE so if I start giving you a hard time, and calling you the wrong name, don't take it to seriously, it's all in fun.

Ed

BTW make sure Wade tells us what he wants to see hp and boost wise on this dyno mule, he was real interested.........or was that you?? it's friday,5:00, and I'm real confused!! I'll talk to you later,
Ed

 

Question? Being in the marine business my whole life...and lately taking an interest in LS1 engines, etc.,Did't I hear that GM's LS1 engines were originally cast by Mercury Marine out in Stillwater, Oklahoma a few years ago? This new fangled Nikasil sleeve & steel liner aluminum block stuff Mercury has been doing for 20 + years! Not to mention the Cosworth castings...(Cosworth, England) Anyone know if the current LS1 motors are still being produced by Mercury?

 

Baddmood - yes, the head bolts are the main link, since you're worrried about the head lifting, I assume you are running high boost? That's what we are going to find out in the durability high boost testing. We have been using this setup for a while, but not in high boost/HP applications, which is where most of the concern lies. The main reason for taking so long is that about the time we started looking at the Darton sleeves, we also started running the Ecotec engine in our race car, and we shifted our R&D efforts to that block. Based on the results of that program, I am confident that we will see similar results, but a few guys who's opinion I respect brought up some good questions that we would like to see the answer to. That is why we decided to do this additional testing. I think everybody will be interested to find out about the high boost durability test results.

Ed

 

Ed thank-you for answering my questions. No I am not running big boost but lots and lots of spray.Right now I am running stock cubes but they don't last to long and I am looking into a big cube ls1 I was interested in ARE's big cube until this new sleeve came out so I am eagerly looking forward to the results of your tests.I am very concerned about the headbolts being relied on so much thank-you BADDMOOD

 

ED, SLED28 is me Dave, not Wade just so you know... <img border="0" alt="[Driving]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_driving3.gif" />

 

Actually the LT5 engine for the ZR1 was designed by Lotus,and produced by Mercury Marine, in Stillwater from 1990-1995. The LS1 is all GM .

Ed