Sell me on a sleeved block.
Sell me on a sleeved block. Looking at buying a sleeved TSP 427. I had a terrible experience with a local place (Not TSP) that reseleeved my ls1, just a single repair and botched it. So Im alittle scared about dropping over 6k on a dry sleeved short block and having the sleeve drop or something else. I know the other shop isnt TSP and TSP has great reviews , just looking for a little reassurance from people with experience.
I am building a RED sleeved 434. If your going to spend the money, use someone that has done it a lot. Steve at RED is a patent holder on the Darton sleeves for the LS/LT engines that we use. He does all of Dartons R&D work, as well as their recommended install center. He has sleeved hundreds of these blocks.
The Darton sleeves have a step built into the top, so they cannot drop. Not sure what block your wanting to sleeve, but I can go out to 4.185" bore with my sleeved LS2. The sleeves are ductile iron, and very durable. Basically the same sleeves that you see in NHRA top fuel, and other pro classes.
I've read stories about people getting a bad sleeve job, and I understand that would be very frustrating for someone spending the $2k or so that it costs to get one sleeved, but in the right hands, you'll have a very strong block, with lots of room to grow.
I'm not a good salesman, but it's much cheaper than going aftermarket block, although some aftermarket blocks have a lot more perks than the factory GM cylinder case can offer.
TSP offers a great product as well. Ask a lot of questions to whomever you choose to use.
The Darton sleeves have a step built into the top, so they cannot drop. Not sure what block your wanting to sleeve, but I can go out to 4.185" bore with my sleeved LS2. The sleeves are ductile iron, and very durable. Basically the same sleeves that you see in NHRA top fuel, and other pro classes.
I've read stories about people getting a bad sleeve job, and I understand that would be very frustrating for someone spending the $2k or so that it costs to get one sleeved, but in the right hands, you'll have a very strong block, with lots of room to grow.
I'm not a good salesman, but it's much cheaper than going aftermarket block, although some aftermarket blocks have a lot more perks than the factory GM cylinder case can offer.
TSP offers a great product as well. Ask a lot of questions to whomever you choose to use.
Last edited by Che70velle; Aug 24, 2017 at 03:21 PM. Reason: I can't spell...
I will have to check out RED as well. I have no problem building the motor myself, just want to do more research on it. Does RED do short blocks? I assume I would need to buy a short block to get a warranty on the block work.
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Joined: Apr 2014
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When I spoke to him, Steve could source a block for you (new one). You may find it cheaper to find your own if price is a concern. I have one of his blocks, it's been a nice piece for me. Highly recommend him!
As far as I know, he does blocks only, not complete short blocks. He specializes in what he does: block work.
As far as I know, he does blocks only, not complete short blocks. He specializes in what he does: block work.
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Car buff is right, he specializes in blocks. He can supply a block, if you don't have one. Give him a call. He's always eager to help, and will give you an honest answer to any question that you might have.
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RHS Block at $4000.00 Hi Cosmos, many here do not observe maths, the cost of the items as you with a $6000.00 report.
My Math = RHS 356 AL block for $4000.00
I have purchases this item, with my report below.
1. The RHS AL block is CAST from 356 Aluminum, NOT the "low grade" 319-T5.
2. The RHS AL block has fitted STEEL Billet Main CAPS with ARP studs.
3. The RHS AL block comes Aligned Honed.
4. The RHS AL block is ordered, bored/honed to a finish size at the same cost.
5. The RHS AL block is DESIGNED with BETTER Oil Gallery/Oil Flow passageways.
6. The RHS AL block is machined for Long Stroke crankshafts.
7. The RHS AL block comes with a "plug" kit.
8. The RHS AL block comes with oil passageway covers
9. The RHS AL block does NOT need the "dum-bell" and is sealed by a pipe plug in that area.
10.The RHS AL block "sleeve" can be orered with easy replacement AND will not drop as it is "stepped".
11.The RHS AL block cost includes shipping to my door at the same cost. (shipping included)
I only ask you, Cosmos, list the costs of each seeing what is lower cost/better features.
Lance
My Math = RHS 356 AL block for $4000.00
I have purchases this item, with my report below.
1. The RHS AL block is CAST from 356 Aluminum, NOT the "low grade" 319-T5.
2. The RHS AL block has fitted STEEL Billet Main CAPS with ARP studs.
3. The RHS AL block comes Aligned Honed.
4. The RHS AL block is ordered, bored/honed to a finish size at the same cost.
5. The RHS AL block is DESIGNED with BETTER Oil Gallery/Oil Flow passageways.
6. The RHS AL block is machined for Long Stroke crankshafts.
7. The RHS AL block comes with a "plug" kit.
8. The RHS AL block comes with oil passageway covers
9. The RHS AL block does NOT need the "dum-bell" and is sealed by a pipe plug in that area.
10.The RHS AL block "sleeve" can be orered with easy replacement AND will not drop as it is "stepped".
11.The RHS AL block cost includes shipping to my door at the same cost. (shipping included)
I only ask you, Cosmos, list the costs of each seeing what is lower cost/better features.
Lance
I'm not 100% sure, but I think the RHS sleeves are made of grey iron, which is similar to what the stock sleeves are made of. Meanwhile, TSP/RED use a sleeve made of a much stronger material.
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Joined: Apr 2017
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Yeap... on some of the starter RHS blocks and FI= cracked blocks. RHS is a good block yet a max bore with standard CHEAP sleeves is 4.165 and I've asked Steve about a *RHS resleeve before the Dart was out as it was still in development Darton sleeves didn't work for the RHS. Resleeved stock blocks with Dry sleeves gets you 4.185 max and 4.200 for MID sleeve. TSP sells the dry sleeve blocks for 2k machining adds 500 for it and have 1 shipped.
500 yr flooding in Houston. Thank God it hasn't even come up to my curb.
500 yr flooding in Houston. Thank God it hasn't even come up to my curb.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,303
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From: Central Cal.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2017
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My area hasn't flooded even when tropical storm Allacine hit *35 inches in 2 days. I'm Very very fortunate. It's still raining. I'm just watching CNN as Houston has taken over the air waves with Record flooding you may think you know rain but we have Had 24inches in 24 hrs * not counting Friday and Sunday.....18 to 22 inches still on the way. We're Still 4 days out from clearing out late Thursday into Friday.
Last edited by Patron; Aug 28, 2017 at 02:48 AM.
