Guys, wanted to clear up the block questions. What Darth has is an LS7 Raceblock. This is not to be confused with the C5R block. The LS7 Raceblock was a very limited run production block with solid bulkheads, giving the block much more strength. That’s the difference between this block and a typical LS7 block. This block is no longer made and was offered as a very limited run, meaning not a lot of them were made. Darths is the only one I’ve ever seen actually. I’ve seen pictures of another that Steve @ RED has. Pretty much a unicorn type of deal.
The C5R block was not a production block. It was designed solely for the GM race team and their C5R program. these blocks are vastly different in many ways from the LS7 Raceblock, featuring all SAE fasteners, not metric, a HIP casting process featuring 356-t6m material, and other unique features. The C5R blocks are rare, but I’ve seen a few of them in person, and even seen a couple for sale here on Tech through the years. They have found their way into civilian hands here and there.
Before everyone starts talking about windage issues with solid bulkheads, and the poor bay-to-bay breathing that solid bulkhead blocks have, Darths block has been tricked out. Breathing holes have been machined into the bulkheads, which are much smaller than the factory non-solid “bay windows”, making this back have ample bay-to-bay breathing, while retaining virtually all of its strength that was designed into it. The block also has had piston squirters professionally installed, likely by Katech. They are Katech squirters, which has been capped off.
While the lifter bore was damaged on Darths block when the lifter failed, it will be repaired with a bushing while it’s at RED. Block is currently at RED awaiting the new Darton liners, and is in good hands.

Production LS7 block GM#19213580
C5R block GM#12480030
LS7 Raceblock GM#25534427

 

Thanks for that descriptions and the part number. It turns out this was one of the rare items google does not know...

Edit, googling the part numbers, I can find a few old catalogs that have references to is, but that's all. Kinda neat! Like owning a small piece of GM history.

 

Sounds almost like a sleeved aluminum 5.3 block? Are the liners the same as the press in ls7?

Kinda neat. Never knew this existed.

 

Yes, same grey iron press in liners as production LS7 block. It is indeed a rare block.

 

Pretty cool for sure, and again, thankfully he didn't trash it. Than find all this out!

 

Parts ****

 

Progress! Yay!

 

Nice!!

 

Nice parts Darth

 

Thanks yall. Really impressed with the quality on these things. FWIW molnar used to work for Oliver. Branched off on his own. Cool guy to talk to on the phone. Ed too. Both long time racers so they get it.

 

Jake, brother, I've been sort of MIA. But just seeing this. Sorry dude.

Hopefully it all works out!

I'm going to build my motor on the stand in my office. Hopefully I can avoid issues with those lifters.

 

You will be fine. If you notice one pushrod is adjusting really far in compared to others, question it. That's how you'll know it isn't in the cup

 

Nothing to report on the build. I have everything except pistons now. Once I get those, I'm in good shape. However, this happened. First grandchild:

 

Congrats!!!

 

Are you that old Darth?
Congratulations.
Good thing about grandkids is that you can give them back to the parents.

 

Congrats buddy!!!

 

Congratulations, man!

 

Darth, you obviously didn’t read the requirements for posting pics of brand new grand babies on LS1Tech. It clearly states in section 3, paragraph 2, that the child must either be holding or touching an aftermarket 4340 connecting rod. I’m pretty sure you don’t get a CoronaVirus pass for this...

Beautiful Kid sir!

 

 

That kids first word will be "turbo" just to **** him off