Description:
Big Block Chevy has long been synonymous with Big Power. These engines are a proven, straightforward way to drop in big power. Borowski Race Engines (BRE) and Dart Machinery's history with BBC race engines goes back to about Day 1 of our common history in the late 60's. We are now pleased to offer a range of 555 cubic short blocks using Dart Big M and Sportsman blocks to cover a wide range of applications. These short blocks are built from parts held in inventory so we can deliver them to you promptly. Importantly, our state-of-the-art CNC machinery ensures that your short block will be machined and balanced to the most exacting tolerances and assembled by our highly-trained and award-winning staff. Check out some of the machining videos at the end for more details on the machining.
Dart offers a wide range of these blocks to choose from, but supply has been sporadic. We choose therefore to standardize on one variant of each block allowing us to inventory parts for our engine builds. We chose a common bore and stroke sizes of 4.560" and 4.250" respectively which yields 555 cubic inches of displacement. The "Triple Nickel" configuration has a long and proven track record for both performance and longevity. Check out the video immediately below or keeping reading to learn more.
Dart Sportsman versus Big M blocks
The difference between these block families is ductile iron (Sportsman) versus billet steel (Big M) main caps. The billet steel main caps are obviously capable of handling more power. The question is how much do you need? The Sportsman blocks are easily capable of 1,200 - 1,300 hp which covers naturally-aspirated, light boost and relatively small nitrous shots. Want more? The Big M is for you.
Our standard BBC shortblocks use standard deck (9.800") Sportsman blocks and tall deck (10.200") Big M blocks. We use the additional deck height to design much stronger pistons rather than increasing stroke to squeeze out more cubic inches. Another two pounds of boost will make up for the lost cubes and the engine is a lot stronger.
Crank & Rods
Callies Performance's Compstar line of imported crank & rods matches up well with the capabilities of the Dart Sportsman block in most applications. An upgrade is Callies domestic Ultra H-Beam rod is available for aplications over 1,000 hp. Their USA-made Magnum cranks and Ultra Enforcer I-Beam rods keep pace with the power jump to Dart Big M's.
Pistons
Sportsman short blocks are available in either 10cc or 40cc dome heights. The 10cc height is intended to handle boost and heavy nitrous shots. The 40cc is ideal for either naturally-aspirated or light nitrous builds. As mentioned above, the pistons we use are not interchangeable between the Sportsman and Big M shortblocks as their vertical dimensions are different. We use J&E pistons primarily with the Sportsman block and Diamond pistons with the Big M blocks.
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Whatever your needs, please call us at 815-725-2727. We’ll be pleased to help you select the best possible piece to meet your performance requirements and budget. And don’t forget about the short lead times.
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Block Machining Videos
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