Darton Sleeved LS1 Block

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Mar 20, 2004 | 06:54 PM

MacC5

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From: Alpharetta GA

Darton Sleeved LS1 Block

Looking for good advise on my new block of choice for a 427 stroker motor. I've heard there have been coolant leaks and slipping problems with the Darton Sleeves in the LS1 block. I talked to a machine shop today with experience in LS1/LS6 engines and they won't touch a sleeve for a LS1. Or put sleeves in. Prefers only to work with the C5R 7.0L block. Which is ok by me, I want the best. But I wanted to hear from anyone out there with a sleeved big bore motor before making the $6k plunge...Thanks!

Mar 20, 2004 | 08:51 PM

gonbad

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From: Spring, TX

Re: Darton Sleeved LS1 Block (MacC5)

That was problem with the earlier blocks. Several tuners use them. I would contact MTI and see if you can buy one of there blocks. I think they do theirs themselves. The only real reason I would see using a C5R block is if you are going to use a Nitrous, Blower or Turbo.

Mar 20, 2004 | 09:12 PM

boweryboy

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From: Brant Beach NJ

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Re: Darton Sleeved LS1 Block (MacC5)

Marc,

I have had very good experience with the resleeved LS1 motor. The Vette Doctors have a ton of experience with big cube motors and are in LI. You should give Carmen a call and pick his brain. He has 5 big cube motors in his shop right now being built. 3 C5R motors and 2 resleeved LS1's.

Better yet you should just stop in for a real nice treat!

Here is their info:
http://www.thevettedoctors.com

Mar 20, 2004 | 09:22 PM

kumar75150

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From: Dallas TX

Re: Darton Sleeved LS1 Block (boweryboy)

Some of the shops I trust wont touch Darton blocks either.

I have heard of several MTI and ARE blocks even have problems.

I will start to think they are reliable after people put a good amount of miles on them over time.

Mar 20, 2004 | 10:11 PM

LT70ZR91

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From: Belvidere Illinois

Re: Darton Sleeved LS1 Block (kumar75150)

Lingenfelter has been testing them for about a year and is now using them with their normal two year warranty. I beleive they are designed so that you
cannot drop a sleeve. Check our either LPE or MTI web sites.

Mar 21, 2004 | 12:12 AM

C5 StockSwap

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From: Flower Mound TX

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Re: Darton Sleeved LS1 Block (LT70ZR91)

I heard today from my mechanic that there is a new sleeve setup for the LS1 block coming...the sleeves are "siamesed"/one-piece per side. Seems to me that has some real potential for strength...and no dropped sleeves.

[Modified by C5 StockSwap, 11:13 PM 3/20/2004]

Mar 21, 2004 | 08:05 PM

MacC5

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From: Alpharetta GA

Re: Darton Sleeved LS1 Block (MacC5)

Thanks for all the advise! I will call around. The Vette Doctors sounds interesting and I am close to their facility. I will also call MTI and LPE. The 1 piece sleeve per side sounds interesting but not sure how the iron could be cast compared to spin casting process of Darton. I purchased a LS1 engine from a wrecked low milage C5, disassembled and had it cleaned...so naturally I am hoping sleeving techniques are improved and reliable! Thanks! :flag