We use Dart LS Next blocks once we get past about a 750 horsepower target on our aluminum LS builds. Our typical starting point for a Dart aluminum block is PN 31947211 which is skirted and has a 9.240 deck and 4.125 inch bore. We can also use its non-skirted predecessor but frankly, we have not done so in years.
As we climb the horsepower ladder, we will start upgrading aluminum blocks sooner than their iron counterparts because aluminum is a softer material.
The first upgrade to look at is machining for 1/2 inch head studs. This provides a lot more clamping pressure to the heads than standard 7/16 inch studs. This is important as lifting of the heads is a common cause of catastrophic failure for engines under boost. Want to see one of these blocks on the chassis dyno? Watch the video.
Already have six bolt heads machined for 7/16 studs? Send us the heads and we will ream them for you at no charge. You just pay the shipping. While we have your heads, we can offer a range of additional services such as CNC porting and CNC valve jobs.
Two other common block upgrades we can offer are:
- Piston oiler installation - great for road racing and other endurance applications
- Machine for Jesel belt drives
We are able to perform the above mentioned machining operations on any Dart block that we have in stock.
Beyond the common upgrades, there are a wide range of LS Next aluminum block options from Dart such as raised cam, tall deck, and the LS Next2 versions with 0.5 inch main studs and either 2.560 or 2.750 inch Ford Cleveland style mains. We can supply blocks with any combination of these options, and either as-produced by Dart, or fully machined and assembly-ready (see Description below).
If you’d like, we can take your project further. From short block to long block to fully dressed crate engine with whatever type of power adder you want - and whatever horsepower you want. We carry inventory of the high-end parts we need for these big-power builds and can supply them to you as parts, not just as completed engines or assemblies.
Given the wide range of options, please click BUY IT NOW to get over to our website and call us at 815-725-2727 to discuss your specific needs.
Description for Fully Machined, Assembly Ready
- Square deck to height on 4-Axis Rottler CNC
- Deburr entire block and main caps
- CNC diamond hone and plateau finish cylinders
- Alignhone mains, hone lifter bores
- CNC chamfer cylinder bores
- Final clean block and paint with primer
- Install Dart cam bearings and test fit cam
- Install oil galley and freeze plugs
Click the BUY NOW button or give us a call at 815-725-2727 to discuss your needs from parts to complete crate engines and everything in between.
BUY YOUR PARTS FROM PEOPLE WHO USE THEM!
