Dart has finished development on a brand new engine block for LS series engines.

The new block, dubbed the LS Next, unleashes the full potential of the LS platform. The new block will be available in cast iron or aluminum, and like all Dart products, will be 100% cast, machined and assembled in the U.S.A.

If you’re hungering for some technical details, look no further. Here’s a little info on what the new block will feature.

Dart has finished development on a brand new engine block for LS series engines.

The new block, dubbed the LS Next, unleashes the full potential of the LS platform. The new block will be available in cast iron or aluminum, and like all Dart products, will be 100% cast, machined and assembled in the U.S.A.

If you’re hungering for some technical details, look no further. Here’s a little info on what the new block will feature.

The power-robbing “Y-block” design is eliminated and replaced by a conventional SBC/BBC style crank barrel area around the main caps, which eliminates the problem of separate bays in the crankcase. Conventional style 4-bolt ductile iron or steel main caps with 7/16” bolts are used, and the block features full main webbing for maximum bottom end strength.

Cylinder barrels are extended by .375” at the bottom, providing greater piston support with long stroke combinations. This added piston skirt support allows for better piston designs to increase stability. Extra thick Siamese cylinder bores allow for large displacement capacity.

The extended cylinder barrels provide the effective equivalent of a 9.615” deck height in terms of potential supported piston travel, while maintaining a standard 9.240”actual deck height for maximum compatibility with available components.

A 5/8” thick full deck design is utilized for superior strength and versatility. Six head bolts per cylinder provide secure clamping for power adder applications. The head bolts are upgraded to 7/16” for increased strength. Blind head bolt holes don’t go through into the water jacket.

Provision for oil restrictors in the lifter valley simplifies installation and removal of restrictors. The stock internal main, or transfer, oil galley has been eliminated, and a revised low restriction priority main oiling system is utilized. A pro-stock / pro-mod big block style stepped main oil galley, 9/16-1/2-7/16, has volume but more importantly no loss of pressure or velocity at the front of the block. An external oil filter must be used with stock or aftermarket oil pumps. A larger capacity full sump type oil pan is one of the key features.

Dual starter mounts allow mounting on either side for increased versatility. The water jacket on the #1 cylinder has been expanded forward for better cooling. LSX style lifter bosses and dog bone provision are provided.

Block Specifications:
Material: Gray Iron 220 BHN, Optional CGI up to 270 BHN
Deck Height: 9.240”
Barrel Length: Increased .375” over stock length
Bore Diameter: 4.000” or 4.125” – Can be safely bored to 4.200”
Max Stroke: 4.100”
Cam Bore: Std. – Options up to 60mm babbitt or 55mm roller
Main Bearing Size: Std. LS: Revised top shell
Main Caps: 4-Bolt, Ductile iron or steel – Splayed bolts on #2, 3 & 4
Rear Main Seal: Stock 1 piece
Lifter Diameter: Stock .842” –Other options to .937 keyed
Oiling system: True priority main – Wet or dry Sump

For more information, visit www.dartheads.com