kawaiilaosboy

My machine shop is having problems finding a sleeve for the LS7. I was wondering where members of CF get their sleeves for the block or can find out from their machine shop on where they got a sleeve when rebuilding the LS7. Thanks.

kawaiilaosboy

I found this but can it be trusted?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DARTON-SLEEV...cd88e3&vxp=mtr

Unreal

Steve@RED. He is the expert. That or ERL.

93Polo

Bill Dearborn

Here is the place that makes the sleeves:

http://www.darton-international.com/sl_chevy.htm

LS7 is listed at the bottom of the table.

Bill

0Louis @ LG Motorsports

ERL Performance.

kawaiilaosboy

Thanks guys! Ordered a Darton Sleeve.

Frans96ss

My machinist and Darton developed the sleeve together. We had replacement sleeves over a year ago.

0Anthony @ LGMotorsports

ANGRY Z

What is the difference bewteen the SF and the DF sleeve?

0ERL PERFORMANCE

The "SF" represents "single flat and "DF" represents "double flat". Whether it's Darton's sleeves or our ERL Ductile Iron sleeves, you will end up with 2 "SF" and 2 "DF" sleeves on each bank. The 2 outer sleeves will be single flat and the 2 inner sleeves will have double flats on them because those sleeves are Siamese together.

ANGRY Z

Thanks! So my spare engine block #5 sleeve that is cracked in 2 places will need a DF for replacement.

Michael_D

I'd replace them all..... Run ductile iron. Get rid of the OE pot metal sleeves.

0ERL PERFORMANCE

I agree with Michael. You don't want to just replace one. Your best solution would be to have us sleeve all 8 cylinders with our ERL ductile iron sleeves. If the cylinder is cracked we generally are able to fix the crank and install our Superdeck 1 sleeve system as long as the crank isn't down into the mains.

93Polo

Datron which Steve at RED uses and ERL both have systems to sleeve most aluminum block LS motors and they generally replace all 8. Both are also well respected in the industry. Steve at RED doesn't seem to be very active here but is on other forums.

I would run some searches on this and other forums which discuss cars using LS motors to decide who and what process (wet vs dry sleeve etc) you like best. You may want to sell your block and buy another OEM block, but sleeving your motor may still be the most cost effective. Be sure to ask what coolant you can run in the motor and if any special gaskets are required.

I wouldn't have a local machine shop sleeve the motor or trust a speed shop that has their own process. IMO it comes down to Race Engine Development and ERL.

walhan_qtr

I am sure there is some other shops that can handle it. I did mine in Colorado along with couple of friends. Racing Engine Design (RED) but in fort Collins, Colorado.

mine has 12k miles. probably around 40 1/4 runs (~10 with spray) and raced on the streets too with no issues. I might have more runs but I am just rounding those numbers. it just got checked couple weeks ago and no issues.

this is an LS7 441ci with darton sleeves. they did it cheaper but I have seen the work those guys do and If I didnt trust it I would have spent the extra $$$$$ to get it to Steve or ERL.

BTW I had them do my other block too. 427ci also darton sleeves on my TT C6. but this one has not been raced yet but I am sure it will be fine. shooting for over 1000whp.