Drag Illustrated Issue 151, December 2019 | Page 58

DI TECH
BLOCK TALK
INSIDE DART’S LS BLOCK LINEUP
W
HEN GM INTRODUCED THE
LS engine blocks, Dart Machin-
ery quickly discovered various
limitations with both the alumi-
num and iron production blocks and introduced
The LS Next block is available in either a skirted or
non-skirted variation. This is the skirted version that
accepts stock front and rear covers as well as the
stock pan rail bolt pattern.
a line of engine blocks that are now considered
essential for any serious performance buildup.
To begin, Dart offers four layers of block selec-
tion covering both iron and aluminum versions.
The base model LS block intended for street per-
formance engines is the LS Next Special High
Performance or SHP block. This offers an easy
conversion from a production block with all com-
ponents easily crossing over, including accom-
modations for the GM LSX roller lifter retainers
(GM PN 19166182). The SHP also includes many
race engine features that are carried over from
the race blocks, including priority main oiling,
0.625-inch thick deck surfaces, 4-bolt billet steel
main caps, and .375in extended cylinder barrels
that will be discussed in detail later.
Next up is the LS Next SHP Pro iron block
that is cast using a superior strength 220 BHN
iron material. This number relates to the Brinell
hardness (BH) rating. Typical grey cast iron tests
between 192 BHN. By using a superior grade
material and employing a different heat treat
technique, Dart offers the LS Next SHP at 220
BHN. This harder cast iron also increases the
block’s tensile strength from 30,000 to 38,000
psi. The LS Next Pro also upgrades to ARP 7/16in
main studs from bolts.
This shows the location of the priority main gallery
that feeds oil directly down to the main webs to
feed the crank rods. Production LS blocks feed the
hydraulic lifters first, which isn’t a good idea in a
performance or race engine.
Issue 151