Dart LS Next ....aluminum version

[Che70velle]

I've had my hands in a lot of engines, and I prefer the LS style main caps over the conventional Sbc style caps that this block has. I understand the windage issue, but I'll trade it for strength any day. That's my two cents...

[cantcatchmitch]

Originally Posted by Che70velle

I've had my hands in a lot of engines, and I prefer the LS style main caps over the conventional Sbc style caps that this block has. I understand the windage issue, but I'll trade it for strength any day. That's my two cents...

From what ive heard from several of the bigshot ls engine builders (Kurt Urban for example), the splayed main caps of the ls next is much stronger than the ls six bolt skirted block design. The main reason the factory uses the six bolt design is that it keeps the engine quieter. Everything ive read about this block is all positives, except maybe the price.

[Che70velle]

Originally Posted by cantcatchmitch

From what ive heard from several of the bigshot ls engine builders (Kurt Urban for example), the splayed main caps of the ls next is much stronger than the ls six bolt skirted block design. The main reason the factory uses the six bolt design is that it keeps the engine quieter. Everything ive read about this block is all positives, except maybe the price.

The LS engines are "quiter" internally due to the architecture being a much more solid design. The reason the old school cap design is being pulled back out is due to bay to bay breathing being better, thus freeing up some power. It's not a weak design, I just prefer my caps not being able to walk around, without being pinned, or splayed. I agree with you wholeheartedly about the positives.

I've never seen better main bearing wear after 100k miles, than an LS engine.

[57hemicuda]

It seems we all have about the same take on the part. The priority oiling is a major plus.The block with the slayed mains in my opinion will be about the same in the strength department as the Y block, but the 6 bolt heads are a major plus for boosted cars. I really think they price themselves out of the market for the road race world, the engines all time out eventually. To loose a $5000 block would make a few of us want to commit harry carry.

I considered the iron block for my AMX, but weight is Horsepower, and 100 lbs is 100 lbs. In the end I will probably end up running GM stuff.