any cooling issues with the Dart blocks on the street?

Mus408 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-26-2009, 12:00 PM

Can you expect about the same coolant temps as a Ford 351W block,horsepower being about the same.
Just wondering if the Dart expanded water jackets make up for the siamesed cylinder walls.
I see where Ford went to great lengths,to improve street cooling on its new Boss 351 blocks.

mpanten · #2 (**permalink**) 08-26-2009, 12:45 PM

No issues with my aluminum dart block. 80c no matter how hot it is outside.

bobcowan · #3 (**permalink**) 08-26-2009, 03:49 PM

I don't have any problems with my iron block, either. Seems about the same in all situations as the stock block was.

Mus408 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-26-2009, 03:55 PM

Thanks for the replies. My Dart build is in progress and just wanted to see how the cooling would be.
I was reading the Ford press,on their new block, and they mentioned cooling issues with aftermarket blocks. Well,there are only a couple I can think of.. Dart and the World blocks.

RodKnock · #5 (**permalink**) 08-26-2009, 04:05 PM

I've heard 2nd or 3rd hand that Dart did have some cooling issues with their aluminum 351W blocks. I have absolutely zero evidence to back it up, but the person who told me about it is a trusted individual at the top of one of the organizations based on a particular marque.

SPF2245 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-26-2009, 05:34 PM

Roush has been using Dart blocks for years, I've experienced zero issues with the motor or block (cooling or otherwise). Good luck with the build!

mpanten · #7 (**permalink**) 08-26-2009, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I've heard 2nd or 3rd hand that Dart did have some cooling issues with their aluminum 351W blocks. I have absolutely zero evidence to back it up, but the person who told me about it is a trusted individual at the top of one of the organizations based on a particular marque.

Even on the hottest day if im on the highway it will not go over 80c for the oil or water, even without the fans on. when it is in the 60's outside I cant even get it that hot. Thats running 10.8 to 1 compression. I am running an oil cooler so im sure that helps but I certainly haven't seen anything in my 4 years of owning the car that would lead be to believe there is a cooling problem associated with the block.

twin turbo · #8 (**permalink**) 08-26-2009, 09:38 PM

I have never experienced any cooling issues with my Dart block with a lot of street miles. I know a lot of people with Dart blocks, no issues. In my opinion, it's the block of choice.

PANAVIA · #9 (**permalink**) 08-27-2009, 01:52 AM

Cooling issues would have more to do with the setup of the blocks internals rather than the block itself. -- if one minds gasketry and steam holes, and --and --and -- you can come up with a good running motor.

Jasmin · #10 (**permalink**) 09-06-2009, 01:43 AM

Thanks for sharing the great list and have done a great article with complete and interesting information. I found my state in the list and enjoy your article too. Thanks again for nice information. I am running an oil cooler so im sure that helps but I certainly haven't seen anything in my 4 years of owning the car that would lead be to believe there is a cooling problem associated with the block.

sllib · #11 (**permalink**) 09-06-2009, 04:23 PM

No cooling issues but...I bought one right after they were introduced and, while cleaning the block, found a lot of casting junk in the water jackets. It looked like lava rock and some of it had heavy pieces of wire embedded in it. I spent a lot of time with a hammer and a long screwdriver breaking up the chunks so they would fall out when I turned the block on the stand. Some of the pieces wouldn't come out so I installed a cooling filter in the upper hose. Time will tell.
Bill Stradtner

twobjshelbys · #12 (**permalink**) 09-06-2009, 08:04 PM

I'd have to say yes. Mine is a Roush 427IR. Mine turned out to be a defective water pump. All is well now.