Aftermarket blocks-sbc

[blown69nova]

Which block would you get for a 1000+ hp (406), and why?
Dart, World or Bowtie (iron)
Are JE's "shelf" extreme duty, inv. dome pistons strong enough for this build?
What do you guys think?
Thanks, Steve

[rocketman]

Brodix or Donovan aluminum block, They handle abuse better and being aluminum helps cool better. all JE parts are worth using there the best piston company out there.

If you must have a steel block then a Bowtie or Dart, World products stuff is junk there blocks core shift alot and won't stay true.

[blown69nova]

I won't be able to afford aluminum, so iron is my only choice.
Are the Bowtie blocks as strong as Dart blocks? The reason I ask is because they are only "rated" for like 850hp.
Thanks, Steve

[rocketman]

I never had a problem with a bowtie block, have built acouple 900-1k hp dirt late model engines with them, and no problems

[rocketman]

either block would be a choice

[blown69nova]

Thanks for the info, steve

[MonzaRacer]

Dart/World have same cast company from what I see just use different moulds. GM performance blocks also made in same place, for a 400 cid look around for used ones save a bunch as long as it can be over bored.
But so far I have been using Motown blocks for 400in+ units and never had a failure.

[blown69nova]

I would not trust a 400 production block for 1000+ hp. I would also like to be able to "grow" with a new block.
I have heard (no first hand knowledge) that the Motown stuff tends to suffer from core shift.
Steve

[MonzaRacer]

not talking about used stock was talking about used aftermarket blocks.
i have built some decent engines from Motowns and besides I have had same issue with Darts blocks its up to builder to inspect everpart before any machinework or labor gets done(this means find a reputable shop to double check the shift with sonic check).
I have found several good aftermarket blocks to build "400"s from from the roundy,round racers.

[blown71]

Dart block here in my 6/71 blown nova. i went with WEISCO custom made pistoms because JE didn't have any pistons that would drop my comp. down enought for my 52cc afr heads . works good

[1969CamaroRS]

I'd go with one of the Dart Compacted Graphite Iron block, lighter and stronger than aluminum, not that much more than a standard iron block.

[MarkM66]

I'd go with one of the Dart Compacted Graphite Iron block, lighter and stronger than aluminum, not that much more than a standard iron block.

Please post a link to some information on this block.

Lighter and cheaper then aluminum?

[blown69nova]

Stronger, not lighter than aluminum.
Stronger and no heavier than iron, $1,000.00 more though.
This is from Dart's website.
Steve

[1Bad'66]

All my buds are running Dart blocks (both bigM and lilM's) without any problems. They are running anywhere between 18-30psi with out issues. Hope this helps.

Scott

[Fuelie Fan]

Using CGI, if properly optimized, can result in a lighter overall package. All the new diesel blocks are going to be CGI for this reason.

http://www.competitiveproduction.com...o=3&issue_no=2

[blown69nova]

Just curious, how many of you guys have seen a production block break from too much power/boost (not detonation)?
I am talking 350 sbc.
Steve

[XTRMEASURES]

ive heard good and bad storys from all three blocks. i was going to to use a dart block but the guy thats building my engine says i should buy the world block because it was $400.00 cheaper and it took less machine time to fit my 4.00'' crank.

next time i might use the dart block if a dont go so big with the stroke.