Uses Darton MID sleeves in a new block, align honed and decked.

The World block is still unavailable and may be overkill for my application (all motor 427 or bigger) Maybe a little NOS..

Xmas is coming...

Anyone?

 

I didn't know Callies (Compstar) was offering a block???

The Darton MID sleeve blocks have been around for a while with somewhat mixed reviews. If you're going this direction, the ONLY guy to do the machine work IMO is Steve @ RED.

BTW, the cost is almost the same as it will be for the WP block by the time you add it all up.

 

I can get a deal on it and the work is done by Compstar\callies.

What do you think this block is worth and what do you think the World block will come in at?

The Compstar comes with MID sleeves, line honed, stress relieved, decked (up to .030" ), ARP main hardware and more. It can be bored to 4.165"

I am looking to build it as all motor with maybe a little shot... , Big cam, etc. and lots of shake..

Do you have any links to the mixed reviews on the MID sleeves?

 

I wouldn't pay over $2k for a finished Darton wet sleeve block. Do a lot of reading on Tech, there's a ton on info over there about these blocks. If done right they are a nice piece and the iron liners are damn near bullet proof. I think you'll find that these blocks are a little bit of a gamble though.

If I were you, I'd get in line for a World Products block. By the time you pay for a block, sleeves, machine work, billet caps, studs... to do the Darton block correctly, you could have pretty much paid for the WP block, which should still be superior. The resale value will likely be much higher with the WP block given most people are scared of the Darton resleeved blocks since they've had so many issues. Expect to pay around $3800 for the WP block, which will be only be slightly more than a Darton conversion with equal hardware.

You have more room for growth with the WP block. The WP block also uses iron sleeves that can be bored out. With a std. 4.125" bore there's still .100" of sleeve plus the aluminum is over .300" thick around the iron sleeve at it the THINEST point (on the end cylinders at the water jacket). These numbers far surpass a CR5 block, not to mention standard LSx blocks. The WP block can also swing a 4.250" crank if you wanted to and can even be had in a tall deck version. Super beefy billet C5R caps and hardware come standard with the WP blocks. The WP block has the 6 bolts/cylinder and overall much more robust casting in general which is a HUGE advantage if you want to spray or boost the hell out of it in the future. The priority oilling system of the WP is another big advantage as well IMO... no more need to go dry sump. BTW, these WP blocks are being poured at the same foundry, on the same lines, by the same guys, that pour the C5R blocks... so you know they're being done right.

It's a no brainer IMO given the advantages of the WP block over any of the GM alloy blocks.

 

Interesting info, thx for posting.

Where can I get more on the WP blocks?

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1202653

That should get you started. Some old info and some new.

The blocks should be hitting the streets in Feb.

 

I agree that the World block will be far superior. No question on the oiling system.

Plus all of the newer ls1/6 blocks have the windows in the bottom of the block which = even less beef down low.

No question that this looks like the big hp ticket along with their 12 degree heads.

However with all the beef, how much more do you think these things will weigh? And is it overkill for a street application?

SS930 Do you know of anyone selling Darton blocks for 2k?

 

The World Products block will be about 20 lbs. heavier than an LS1 block because of the additional reenforcement. A very small price to pay IMO.

Overkill? I guess that's the potential buyers responsibility to decide the answer to that question. Given the cost difference and knowing that it leaves the door wide open for any future mods... I don't think it's overkill for myself. I already have one with my name on it.

What you should consider is whether you want a 4.125" bore or not and if so what are you ever going to do with it. If you don't need the 4.125" bore, a $1000 4.00" bore LS2 block offers a lot of block for the money.

If you want the 4.125" bore you have 5 options, and all will cost more:
LS2 Dry sleeve
LS1/6 wet sleeve
C5R
(and coming soon...)
WP
LS7

The LS7 block will be hitting the streets in the coming months, likely around the same time the WP block comes out. The benefits of the WP block made it a no brainer for ME. Given these options you should ask YOURSELF what works for you and your potential future plans. If you just want a 427 and will running NA and want nothing more I'd say the WP block will be indeed overkill. My guess is the LS7 block will be your best bet if you don't have any crazy plans in the future... although I've yet to see a price on it. If you're thinking about any of the other 4.125" bore options, I'd suggest you think real had about the WP block.


And no, I don't know anyone selling finished MID sleeve blocks at $2000, but that's the most I'd be willing to pay for one given the other choices... you won't find any near that price either.

SS

 

I agree with everything that you are saying.

If I am looking for a dead end street block then at under 3k the MID is an option (up to 4.165 bore)

I guess in my case, it will depend on what the WP blocks come in at.

I would think that MOST would opt for the WP...