Dart Big "M" 396 Sportsman block...

[Alan Roehrich]

Arnold, I've been getting mine from Dart through Liberty, but I do have a second source now. I spent a while with Rick from Dart yesterday talking specifically about the "396" block. I'll have to ask Jimmy more about his that we got last summer. Rick was telling me the latest version has non siamese bores, unlike the block they sell with 4.250" base bore. When I started talking to Dart about doing a 396 block, they were originally thinking they could just use the big bore casting, and having them start at 4.125", but I was told that did not work they way they had hoped, so they built a new set of patterns and boxes to do a 4.094" bore block. The 4.250" bore block is the same as the 4.600" bore block.

[carl hinkson]

Originally Posted by Arnold Greene

Maurice, I still have one of the blocks to assemble, so I am sure the paperwork is still at the shop. I will look for the machining paperwork Tuesday and get back to you.

Alan, both blocks that I have built, have siamese bores and the same casting # as the 427 Big M block. Also both blocks were around 4.11??? on the bore size. They were both purchased through Atech. I will try to call you later this week when I am at the shop, probably on Tuesday. The first block had blind head bolt holes, but the latest has two on each side that goes into water.

I am W/D for Dart if you have the serial number Dart should have all the specs on your block!!

[ken robinson]

I 'm happy with the one I ran last year, nice piece . But the extra weight keeps the nose lower when it hits the tree . Be nice to lighten it up alittle . Can't rember if it a siamesed one or not ? Its at .060 now .

[Alan Roehrich]

There are a couple of places with a lightening program. One price I was given was $1,000.

[Bub Whitaker]

The 2 Dart M 396 blocks we did in 2013 were not siamese. They were 287# as received, 270# after all machine work. Stock block 396 filled w/ hardblock 230#. Stock block 427/ 454 208# add 8 sleeves 224#. Dart is heavier, will take the .075 overbore for 396 - 402 / ring seal is better - no brainer...

[Chad Rhodes]

Originally Posted by Alan Roehrich

There are a couple of places with a lightening program. One price I was given was $1,000.

Actually Dart will do it now. And it's a bit more reasonable than $1000

[Alan Roehrich]

Originally Posted by Chad Rhodes

Actually Dart will do it now. And it's a bit more reasonable than $1000

Rick from Dart and I spoke about that, he was asking me about what was done to the last one I sold, and what it cost.

[Chad Rhodes]

Originally Posted by Alan Roehrich

Rick from Dart and I spoke about that, he was asking me about what was done to the last one I sold, and what it cost.

Rick's a good guy, talk to him all the time.

[ken robinson]

Did they ( at Dart ) tell you ruffy how much weight they can remove with the lightening program , for the extra $$$. ? Ken R.

[Alan Roehrich]

Ken, you can probably get close to 50 pounds out, with a lot of work. You might get even more, but I'm not sure I would do it.