Quality, availability, etc.
How are the Bowtie blocks for this application?
Looking to make close to 1000 hp.

 

I built a spare 582 last year and several guys I contacted refused to use a Dart block.
They got burned too many times and the new owners are crooks???

I found a guy with one left on the shelf and bought it.

All the rest were using Merlin.

Didn’t check anything else.

I did buy aBrodix last year but that was for an aluminum 5.0 build.
It’s a work of art.


.

 

Seems hard to find a Brodix iron block, being it is cast alongside the Blueprints. Blueprint doesn't even advertise blocks as I've read they can't keep up with their own crate engine demand. Leaves Merlin, Dart, Bowtie.
MrDragster1970, your input aligns with much I have read recently.

 

Jason Line has a new BB Chev block. JLine blocks... they're a little expensive but several improvements over a Dart or Merlin.

JLine Performance

Racing Blocks and Heads available from Jason Line Performance. Wilson Manifolds is the only place to get your hands on these currently in stock and ready to ship. Jason Line Performance. JLine Performance

www.wilsonmanifolds.com

 

I got to see one these in person at Jason's brothers shop that they were getting ready to finish. Very good looking piece and is definitely quality. Considering it's made 100% here it's not priced too bad really when you look at everything else out there.

 

I believe Brodix no longer supplies blocks as Blueprint was unable to continue selling just blocks to outsiders due to their own needs. There is talk of Summit having a German cast BBC block like the SBC German block they now just have started to sell. As far as the Merlin BBC block, I know the man that was in charge of that brand when he worked for PBM. He feels the Merlin block is superior compared to the Dart. I have only used the Dart Big M billet cap 4.6000" bore short deck blocks. They are overpriced and not in constant supply. They have at least one oiling issue having to do with the priority oiling that effects the oil going to the rocker arms on the passenger side rear cylinders. There is a fix on Scott Foxwell's site that works. No issues with durability. Check everything and get machined properly and you should be good to go with either of the 2 common choices, Dart or Merlin. Haven't used a GM Bowtie block in a while, but they rated them at 4.500" bore max, I believe. I do have a new Dart block shipped and suppossed to be here this week. Questionable if the Parts kit they used to supply with the block at no extra cost is now extra $$ on the billet cap blocks. Also not a fan of the 3 hole cam bearings that comes with the parts kit.

 

BBMARK, all 3 of my BOWTIE block are at least 4.600" and the EX-PRO STOCK one is 4.635 now. Runs with no issues.

 

BBMARK, all 3 of my BOWTIE block are at least 4.600" and the EX-PRO STOCK one is 4.635 now.
Runs with no issues.

That is my issue.
I have a killer 565" that is at 4.638 and the machine shop didn't tell me or I would have never re-used that block.
Now that I know, I definitely will need a new block next freshen up and will have to decide what to do.
I have 3 darts, the Brodix & an old 427 TD. I have never owned anything else
but one Bowtie a long time ago when that was our only choice for big engines.

I will NOT be buying a new generation dart after hearing the horror stories.
I was excited because I was going to get a Big M2 because they have a 10.400, but not now!!!




.

 

I have been looking in this direction for 1000hp and the price.

I would like to know who cast and machines them.

Standard Deck Bowtie Race Block: GM Performance Motor

 

DAMN, that's a nice price, I wonder why the HP is that low for something that looks top quality??

My engine is ~1250 HP, and I would like to reuse some of my old parts.
I have a few sets of pistons bigger than 4.600 on the shelf with plenty of life left.

 

Might run up the machining bill if it is only 4.240" to get to 4.600. I thought the one I had was 4.500" bore from the factory.

 

""They have at least one oiling issue having to do with the priority oiling that effects the oil going to the rocker arms on the passenger side rear cylinders. There is a fix on Scott Foxwell's site that works.""

Tell us more about this oiling issue please, I can not find Scott Foxwells site.

 

I don't have a site, it was something I came up with when working for Straub. We did a video on it. It's simply plugging the passenger side lifter galley between the last lifter bore and the distributor hole.

 

LOL well Google AI spit this out.

AI Overview

GMPP Bowtie blocks are cast iron and are made in Salt Lake City, Utah by Backcountry Iron.


Cast iron is a popular choice for engine blocks because it's strong, machinable, and has good thermal conductivity. The type of cast iron used in engine blocks is gray cast iron, which has a graphite microstructure that gives it its characteristic gray color.

Leftover pots and pans.

 

Thanks for everyone's input. I agree the GM Bowtie blocks look like a good option. Has anyone on here, or know if their machinists, ran into any issues like core shift, soft material, poor main or cam bore alignment? It is a bit cheaper, but that could quickly get eaten away by additional machining costs.

 

GM Bowties are no different when it comes to matching GM prints. I've got one we did for a customer right now. Machine cost is going to be the same no matter the brand. BBC what we see is bore geometry and lifter bore angle are the 2 worst.

 

Just built a 509 with a Bowtie block so far so good! its in the 1600 - 1800 HP range, blown alky motor Bowtie blocks are nice IMO

Buddy has a wore out 540 with a 300 shot he's been running for 10 years on a Merlon block never a issue with that block!

I just built a 565 Dart block but it is a older dart block before Dart sold, I am sure if you look around you can still find a few older dart blocks New in the Box still?

1000 HP a good stock block should hold up IMO, Not sure if you want a aftermarket for peace of mind? or Bore size? if you want a 4.500 bore a 502 block is a option as well

 

Just built a 509 with a Bowtie block so far so good! its in the 1600 - 1800 HP range, blown alky motor Bowtie blocks are nice IMO

What's the combination if you don't mind sharing.

 

We will not buy an aftermarket block with a bore size close to finished size. The bore geometry we have seen on our Rottler F69A is not great. Most of the time taking at least .070" to correct cylinders. Lifter bore geometry the same.

Summit has in the works a BBC block. Their SBC block has been the best aftermarket casting we have seen to meet factory GM spec then any other casting we have seen.