Hopefully this will happen

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-te ... in-big-cid-lt1-block.html

[QUOTE]JAKE;
Yesterday I called Dart to get their published flow numbers on a set of Dart heads I recently bought.

In the conversation with the Tech Support guy, he mentioned that Dart is "considering" casting one of their SHP blocks to become, essentially, a BIG CUBIC INCH LT1 block.

Dart would make the necessary modifications and cast the block to take the LT1 to the next level, but management was concerned about whether there would be enough of a market to defray the costs.

When I mentioned 4.125 bore as standard, his response was, "Oh, a 4.125" bore would be tiny compared to what Dart's considering".

So based on that, we're talking over 454 cubic inches with the new LT1 block which would accept all the LT1 accessories; including heads, intake manifolds, starter, alternator, water pump, Opti, power steering, etc., etc. He mentioned that it would probably be a two piece rear main seal arrangement.

Now, I didn't get many more details, like probable cost, etc., only that company management would have to gauge the demand before agreeing to move in that direction. Remember, this is only in the "consideration stage" right now.

THIS WOULD BE A BRAND NEW BLOCK. Dart would begin with the SHP block casting molds, then design different ones to address the LT1 differences, then cast an entirely new and different block meeting LT1 requirements.

I told the Tech guy that I'd post a thread like this one to see just how many guys would be interested in buying such a block. So if anyone's interested, post a response here and the Technican will review what's written and pass on the responses to management.

I intend to post this thread on several other Forums, too.

Just thought it might be of interest to some.

Jake

West Point Rocks![/QUOTE]

a big LT1? Damn.

I wonder what the price point would be?

Quote:


My rough guess would follow this equasion:

Cubic Inches X 10 = Block Price.

But that is just an estimate.

Their Gen I SBC blocks run from $1,500 to $6,000

but the higher # is for the aluminum race blocks.

I've spend $1,000 to prep a used block, including the splayed cap machining.

So, if it come in about $1,500-$2,000, which is about what their iron blocks run, that wouldn't be too bad.

GM's discontinuing their LTX stuff, you can't get an LT4 timing cover now, so we're going to need replacements.

I have bought the Dart SHP SBC block for my latest build. You can get them for under $1500 with some shopping. So far the only real machining is the final bore size. The rest is just the usual cleanup and checking things over.

hm... you are right... at $2k, a block like that would be a good value.

I wonder if they will do that with a NASCAR style 6 bolt main or stick with splayed 4 bolt? I wonder if an aluminum variant will be made???

It's officially real

http://www.dartheads.com/news_article_view.php?nak=69

So what kind of upgrades need to be done to everything behind it (trans/diff/half-shafts, etc) to keep things from breaking?

depends on the power you shooting for

I'm going through that with my build.

also depends if you want 1/4 mile or road racing.

Looks like it's DEAD
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-te ... -dart-lt1-block-dead.html
[QUOTE]metal tech;
If this is a double post please delete. Here's the info from the Dart message board.

"Well, I have received some very, very unfortunate news today.
This project has been officially canceled.

It seems that after speaking to many of our engine builders, warehouses, racer clients and others that our initial assessment was somewhat over-inflated, our secondary assessment has not been nearly as positive as the first, sadly.

I and everyone else here at Dart realize that this is a big let down for a lot of the people who showed so much interest in the project. I don't make any excuses for it, we messed up this one, and we're sorry.

I, personally am disappointed that we decided not to do this, as I was really looking forward to going ahead with it, but I also understand why, in the end, it was decided not to do so.

I suspect that I'll get beat up a bit for this announcement, it's not one that I enjoy making... I certainly don't hold it against anyone who is upset about this.

Sorry again to everyone who showed such support for the project. "

That bites.[/QUOTE]

Yea, I can see why DART dosen't want to make the B Series HONDA mistake again...

Plus I never understood why LTX people would want to build a 420+inch motor, spend that kind of $$$ on a block and then be stuck using antiquated 23 degree heads.

Then again who is willing to spend that kind of $$$ on an LTX car. Crap we were talking at least 2 grand more than I spent on my 383 (which is bordering on $10K). Then to put it in a 92-96 Corvette, 93-97 F Body, 96 B body.... $12 grand is more than any of those cars (minus a 96 C4 GS) are worth in mint condition....

I like my LTX but IMO DART is right to kill this.

Will