Still desciding what to do as of right now.....I could either buy a short block or build on.

I can buy a 434 engine that was built with a stock block, water was left in it and cracked the block. Also have some othe 434 stuff available....

Wondering what block is best? Don't know much about the differences in the 2. Seems like most builders use the Darts

This is for a 434 SBC

 

The engine builders I talk to prefer Dart. They say there are problems with the World castings. In both cases, you may be surprised to learn that the block does not come ready to assemble. Besides the finish hone, and boring if needed, the mains need to be align honed, all the threads chased, etc. And everything else needs to be checked as even for ~$3,000 there is no guarantee the lifter bores are square to the cam, etc. All this is probably not needed in a mild motor, but if you are building something mild you don't need an aftermarket block. If you want to do things right, figure at least another $500 in machine shop bills on top of the block price. And that's assuming everything checks out and nothing major needs correcting.

An exception may be the GM CNC machined Bowtie blocks. Except for boring and honing the cylinders to the desired size and finish, these are supposed to be ready to go as recieved. I would look into a Bowtie if I wanted an aftermarket small block.

Rich

 

Seems like everyone prefers the Dart.
I will check out the bowtie....Price is not much of a concern, as far as maching it. I would rather have it right

 

I use the GM Bowtie blocks because they always work great and I see no reason to change. The Dart is a much better casting than the World - I hate working on those castings and playing the game of what's going to be out of spec this time...

 

Dart if it's the choice between the two and as Rich said you still have to do all the rest of the work to it. I'm going to agree that the 184 Bowtie Blocks CNC machined are a really good bargin! I would rather run one if it was me.

Bret

 

Where is the best place to get the GM......I haven't had a chance to check them out yet

 

SDPC usually has good prices but I always shop around to GM dealers close to me because the prices for shipping can eat up differences. One more thing, if you can pick up the block at the local loading dock then you'll save yourself a good amount on shipping.

Bret

 

You would probably want:
PN 12480047
350 Bowtie Sportsman Block, 2-Piece Rear Main Seal
• CNC-machined cast iron competition block
• +/-0.001" machining tolerances
• 4-bolt nodular mains, splayed caps on center 3 mains
• 3.980" finished bore
• 4.155" max bore
• Extra smooth gasket surfaces for better seal
• Tall lifter bores

Anyone who sells GM parts can give you a quote on it. Summit lists it for a bit over $2,000. As Bret said, there are advantages to going to your local Chevy dealer if they are willing to work with you on price.

Rich

 

o.k. I will check in the morning with the dealers.....I used to work there so hopefully they will hook me up with a deal

 

I can get one for right under $1700 delivered........Sounds pretty good right?

 

Sounds very good!

Rich