Darton sleeved 427 w/ L92 heads project begins
 

The dyno mule is getting a little tired so it's time to freshen it up. I thought about selling it and getting a C6 GS vert but I just can't justify the cost for a toy I drive 4-5k and year.

My engine was the first build in the country using the then new L92 heads. I wanted to see what could be done with the GM casting. Everyone poo poo'd the idea then but gradually came around. I've had 3 cams, stock and WCCH CNC'd heads of various compression ratios and other iterations. Everything that was done was done the make good power and keep the car very mild. The car currently makes 521/480 and drives very close to stock with massive tip in. 386RWT at 2200 RPM is nuts.

Here's the build thread from LS1tech:

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/genera...us-plan-b.html

In talking with Shawn and Ed at Virginia Speed we decided that for the cost difference it made sense - if any can be made of any of this - to resleeve the LS2 block using Darton sleeves and increase the bore to 4.125. The only cost difference between staying a 403 and moving to a 427 is the cost of the sleeving which Shawn does in-house at VA Speed. I'll run the same crank, rods, cam, Melling oil pump, etc and top end. The extra bore will really make the L92 heads shine by unshrouding the valves.

I know Shawn and Ed will be posting pics and comments along the way. We're trying to make this an informative technical thread for those interested.

Shawn and Ed made the drive up from VA Beach this morning to pick up the cruiser. Damon (MCLEOD) came by to lend moral support. Next time I see it it will have a 427 under the hood.

Thanks guys.

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At least it was sunny.. :)

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On it's way to winter in Va Beach - again. :yesnod:

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Best of luck. Beautiful car. It matches the snow.
:bigears

Good luck. I would love it if Shawn posted photo's of the machining process as it progresses and the block is transformed.

:sadangel: I would have came down just to counter bid McLeod's used parts dream list :leaving:

Another excellent adventure (said in my best, "Bill and Ted" movie voice)! I'm looking forward to following your new 427 engine build thread with pics and seeing the results of this new TORQUE MONSTER!

Anyone need any stumps pulled? :lol:

There is another cost that you omitted, that of pistons fwiw. :)

Looking forward to seeing what it will do!

Kevin, what pistons are you going with and what is the targeted compression on this 427?

Should definately pick up a decent amount of hp man. Best of luck on the new project.

Shawn told me he's using -8cc pistons which will net approximately the same CR I'm running now with the -2cc pistons on the 4.005 bore.

BTW: I just had a long talk with Richard at WCCH (proheads.com). He's been fine tuning his port program for the L92/LS3 heads and doing some work on the chamber. He has the intake ports flowing 380CFM of great quality air with excellent low and mid lift numbers.. He said the heads should be very comparable to LS7 heads when we get them back. He's putting in a 2.200" intake valve. :smiliedrool: He's really excited to be involved with this ongoing project again. We're excited he's involved also. :thumbs:

Sonofabitch! What bore size/valve size/lift is that cylinder head flow at?

Thats some good info Kevin, thanks for sharing. So if the heads will flow 380 cfm, how much does that intake of yours flow ? I know the 4 inch tube up front is not going to be the restriction, I'm wondering if the intake is going to be it though?

I know Richard usually flows at 4.030 and a 4.155. I'm not sure which bore he used but I believe he told me a .650 lift. I run a little more lift than that on the intake with the current cam.

The intake will remain the limiting factor. I really wished the LSx performed better on these heads.

Maybe a vendor who is stuck with an LSx intake could offer one up for a test with the reworked heads.

Working on it. :D

I should have known.:crazy:

I'm guessing that's gotta be at 4.155", but still that is a LOT of air!

:cool:...............That is all..............Carry on............... :leaving:

Thanks for sharing...keep coming back. :rofl:

Is ITB an option ??