Dart Block feedback

[acclude]

Looking to get feedback about the B20 Dart blcok from those of you that have used them or know anyone that has. They're pretty highly praised from everything I've read but given the hefty price tag I figured I'd ask here before considering dropping some serious $$$ down.


I'm looking at the 226mm tall deck with 84.5mm bore.


For those who don't know, here's some specs on this beast:
straight from www.dartheads.com

"Dart has produced the first aftermarket block for Honda B-series engines. we addressed all the shortcomings of the factory casting and designed the Dart block specifically for racing and performance use. We use C355-T61 aerospace alloy and incorporated a closed-deck design, dry sleeved cylinders with extra-thick walls and beefed up main webs with steel caps.

We offer the Dart Honda block in two versions that replace the B18 and B20 castings. Both are built to withstand the extreme cylinder pressures created by turbochargers and nitrous oxide injection. We increased wall thickness in all critical areas and beefed up the bottom end with steel main bearing caps. Best of all, Dart blocks are compatible with production Honda cylinder heads, internal components, and accessories.

Part# 31496701, 31496702, 31496801, 31496802
Material: 355-T61 Aluminum alloy
Block Style: Fits B16, B18, B20 (VTEC & non VTEC)
Bore: 81.5mm (3.209”) = 81.23mm unfinished or 84.5mm (3.327”) = 83.31mm unfinished
Bore & stroke, max: 85mm x 95mm (3.346” x 3.740”)
Cylinder Wall Thickness: 6.35mm (.250”) min
Deck Height: 212mm & 226mm (8.346” & 8.898”)
Deck Thickness: 16mm (.625”) min.
Displacement: 2155 cc max (131 cu in)
Freeze Plugs: Threaded 3/4" NPT
Head Gaskets, Cometic: 81.5mm bore = C4232 84.5mm = H1340SP1030
Main bearing size: 55mm (2.165”)
Main bearing bore: 59mm (2.323” – 2.3238”)
Main Bolts: 7/16” - 14
Main caps: Steel - 2 bolt w/dowels .003” press
Main thrust width: 21mm (.830”)
Oil system: Standard Honda
Oil Filter: Standard Filter
Oil Pan: Standard Oil Pan
Piston Oilers: Threaded holes are provided but can be plugged.
Rear Main Seal: Stock seal
Serial No. Left rear on oil pan rail
Sleeves: Replaceable ductile iron dry sleeves
Sleeve OD: 87.63mm (3.450”) Sleeve O.S. + .010” & +.020” available
Sleeve thickness: 81.5mm bore = 3.065mm (.120”) / 84.5mm bore = 1.565mm (.062”)
Sleeve Length: 212mm deck = 140mm (5.50”) / 226mm deck = 152mm (6.00”)
Studs, heads: Use ARP# 208-4303 w/Dart CNC head
Supplied parts: Dipstick tube, threaded oil filter mount, belt tensioner spring stud
Timing Belt: 212mm Deck - Std belt 226mm Deck – Cloyes# B-294 or Gates# T-294 Use GSR-VTEC water pump w/22T pulley
Torque Specs: 1-5 7/16” bolts - 65 ft lbs
Weight: 67 lbs

"

 

[dc2GS-R]

I've never used one but have heard nothing but good things. People have put out some pretty incredible numbers with those things

 

[patrick4588]

they are the best blocks you can buy. just expensive; very very expensive. unless you are going for 900+ hp, i would just get a block sleeved.

 

[JDMxDB8]

I too have heard many good things about Dart products.

 

[E85B18]

They are good but like pat said, it may be overkill for you. Check out Benson and AEBS sleeves

 

[goofyb20]

damn son that sounds pretty good right there.... makin me wanna hit them up

 

[acclude]

Thanks for the input guys!

I would still consider the Dart block over just a sleeved B20 because of cost.

Dart block - $2600 good to go and capable of more than just a sleeved B20

B20 block w/no internals - $200-300
Sleeves - $1200-1500
Beefed up main bearing caps - $500
TOTAL - $1900-2300


The extra few hundred makes the Dart block seem very worth it. That's just my thoughts though.

 

[patrick4588]

i mean i was looking at it like it costs 3450 to send your block to laskey racing and have it fully built and sleeved including return shipping.

 

[TurboGSR96]

I know for a fact those Dart Block are not cast well at all, the oil galleries all need flash removed, all the edges typically need to be deburred. I know Endyn did an article on them a while back going into detail about all the work he had to do to them just to get them ready to assemble. I also had a personal friend that built one for a customer and he was not happy with it either.

No doubt it is a robust block, but I dont see the need to spend the money on it. People have not found out the limit of sleeved blocks so I dont see the need for this, especially something under 1000whp.