has anyone used A Dart 427 Small block

[roxxx]

I am starting to source parts for a new motor for my truck which is a 4x4 so i want to stay away from a BB
Sooooo I was thinking of going with a Dart small block 427
I have being scrounging around on the forum looking for anyone else who has used this block but cant fine much anyone know of any threads on this motor ?
Are they work it or Just do a 383 and be happy with it for a lot less money ?

[Lattimer]

I don't think a small block bored and stroked to that degree is really a "streetable" engine. Not something I would want. Generally when you push too far away from the factory design the reliability severely decreases.

I guess it all depends on how much power you really need/want? 400+ from a 383 is easily achieved in a reliable package, and you can get really good low end in them---which is what you want if you are using a 4x4 as a 4x4.

[1972RedNeck]

How about a diesel?

[roxxx]

Originally Posted by 1972RedNeck

How about a diesel?

LOL way to light of a Truck Plus Ermm I am A Cummins Guy

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by roxxx

lol way to light of a truck plus ermm i am a cummins guy

4bt......

[sean1969c10]

Are you looking at a Little M block or a built Dart 427? I've seen the Little M blocks come through the shop, they are definitely nice pieces, durability shouldn't be a problem. I would suggest that if you get one, having a good automotive machinist check the block over to make sure the critical specs are where they should be. I agree with Lattimer in terms of a production block, there are definitely limits. The quality aftermarket stuff is way beyond what GM ever dreamed of and while over kill for the street if built with streetablity in mind the Dart block should handle it no problem.

[hugger6933]

I had a friend who had a 454 small block built for a truck. It was a little more on the pro side of pro street, it was built as a truck that could be driven but more with the strip in mind. It was a work of art. There is much more that could be said about it but a work of art sums it up. If a man were to build it smaller say on the size of the 427 it would leave more cylinder room [for later if ever needed] and then also maybe a hyd roller could be used instead of some crazy solid roller like was in my friends truck. He kept it a very short time [we both are/were car dealers] and someone else thought they wanted to play as well. I think with the proper planing and the right build [right CR and cam] you could build a very docile 427 that would [almost] purr and have the torque to climb a hill or flat rock face for that matter. Jim

[67_C-30]

It would work fine, and be very durable (moreso than any production engine). However, to get the most out of it, you are going to need good heads, cam, intake, carb, etc to go with it. At that point, you will have spent a pile of money for an engine that will exceed the capability of the rest of your drivetrain, if it is all stock. Upgrading the trans, transfer case, and axles are going to also add a great amount of cost to the build.

There's a saying in racing that says "Speed costs money - how fast ya wanna go?" I think this applies here.

You can build a 383 for a fairly modest investment that will skull drag any production BBC that ever came in a truck. In fact, a well set up 383 will be more than a stock drivetrain can live behind if the truck is going to see extreme duty.

[roxxx]

Don't need crazy fast but.... Heh heh a little bit would be fun!
Drive line will be nv4500 Tcase 205 or a newer chain drive not sure yet . Finding a Good 4 bolt main block can be quite a challenge where I am. So buying a block anyways .heads will be aluminum that's why I am kinda leaning towards a dart short block. Over kill yes but room to grow. Anyways was just wondering if anyone had any Pros /Cons on the small block 427 Config
Thank you for the responses

[burnin oil]

4 bolts are over rated. If you really want to do it right you want a 2 bolt 010 block. Take that and convert to 4 bolt splayed caps. This would be over kill. A 2 bolt should hold anything that you throw at it, especially with main studs. If you are worried about block flex block fill can always be installed up to the bottom of the freeze plugs. Should be no heat problems filled that low but rigid up the bottom end.

I am a Cummins guy myself but they are a little heavy for these trucks without some decent mods. I am also going to do the NV4500/205 swap using Dodge parts. If I ever install a 12v then I just drop the adapter plate and reinstall the larger input shaft. Just need to make my trans/transfer case adapter.

[67_C-30]

Originally Posted by burnin oil

4 bolts are over rated. If you really want to do it right you want a 2 bolt 010 block. Take that and convert to 4 bolt splayed caps. This would be over kill. A 2 bolt should hold anything that you throw at it, especially with main studs. If you are worried about block flex block fill can always be installed up to the bottom of the freeze plugs. Should be no heat problems filled that low but rigid up the bottom end.

I am a Cummins guy myself but they are a little heavy for these trucks without some decent mods. I am also going to do the NV4500/205 swap using Dodge parts. If I ever install a 12v then I just drop the adapter plate and reinstall the larger input shaft. Just need to make my trans/transfer case adapter.

Gotta agree with this. I've been 11 seconds with more than one 2 bolt main stock rod SBC's.

[westong]

What are you planning on doing with the truck?....
I have some experience with both stock blocks and the dart block. The dart block is better for a guy that wants a "plug and play" application. If you want to go the stock block then the there is some grinding to do to even make the crank spin in the block. A couple nights of grinding and hoping ya did it right and things will work ok. I have a 434 sitting in the corner that has I have no idea how many countless hours of torture on it as it has been a mud race motor in a 46 willys jeep and and a 72 chevy 3/4 4x4 rig. It takes a lot to keep them cool and makes crazy power. Basically at then end of each run you need to run a garden hose over the radiator if ya plan on making a run right away.....dart block and aluminium heads 320cc brodix and I can run to town and get a six pack of beer and not overheat with the same cooling setup. I can send some vids of each if ya like......dart block and aluminium heads are the way to go

[roxxx]

Just a highway truck occasional creepin not pounding it or bogging no towing
yes vids would awesome

[burnin oil]

Originally Posted by roxxx

Just a highway truck occasional creepin not pounding it or bogging no towing
yes vids would awesome

Stock block 383 is all you need. As said many times the Dart blocks are awesome pieces but your application is totally wrong. Unless you are just rich

[roxxx]

Originally Posted by burnin oil

Stock block 383 is all you need. As said many times the Dart blocks are awesome pieces but your application is totally wrong. Unless you are just rich

Not rich But Very patient.
My biggest problem is trusting anyone around here to do a good Job on machining and backing their work.

[HotRod C/10]

2 Bolt mains 383 here.

[roxxx]

Originally Posted by HotRod C/10

2 Bolt mains 383 here.

Nice! Were did you get the valve covers ?

[HotRod C/10]

ebay

[Eddie H.]

It all depends on how many cubic dollars you want to put into it.