Boss 351 vs Dart Iron eagle?

[Martin]

Still looking at engines, still about 6 months away.

What are everyone's thoughts on the Dart Iron Eagle vs the Boss 351? I was thinking of a 351/427, AFR185's, and Inglese Staxk XFI (that's why I can't get it now), comp camps 282HR cam, and Accusump.

Does one block have any advantages over the other? I'm looking for an easy to drive engine that will give me about 450rwhp, will hold up to track days without fear of blowing up, and be fun - not the fastest lap time. More concerned with the 30-100mph times than top speed.

I've got a 3.27 rear end with Torsen T2, T56 with IRS.

I'm thinking it would be better to spend the money on the parts that move more than the block, but don't want to have an under specc'ed block to start with.

Any thoughts?

Martin

[edwardb]

For that horsepower rating, don't need the Iron Eagle. The DART SHP blocks, while rated by DART to only 600 HP, are good for probably twice that according to the engine builder I'm working with. I'm far from an expert, but my understanding of the main issue with the Boss vs DART discussion is that for a stroker, the DART cylinders are longer at the bottom, so the piston is less exposed at the bottom of the stroke. If you're interested in more details, send me a PM. The builder is well known, but not a forum vendor.

[Bob Cowan]

Dart SHP block, and Dart Pro-1 195 heads. Excellent combination for good street manners, good power, and excellent reliability.

I would definatly reconsider the cam shaft. 8 stack individual runner intake systems do better with a wider LSA, like 114-116*. Comp Cams makes a couple of grinds specifically for stroker engines. Look in the 5.0 section. Inglese also sells a couple of cams specifically for their intake systems (made by CC, of course).

[Avalanche325]

Cylinder length is better in the DART. The DART also has 4 bolt mains all the way across. The boss is 2 bolt on 1 and 5, 4 bolt on 2, 3, and 4.

[Martin]

For that horsepower rating, don't need the Iron Eagle. The DART SHP blocks, while rated by DART to only 600 HP, are good for probably twice that according to the engine builder I'm working with. I'm far from an expert, but my understanding of the main issue with the Boss vs DART discussion is that for a stroker, the DART cylinders are longer at the bottom, so the piston is less exposed at the bottom of the stroke. If you're interested in more details, send me a PM. The builder is well known, but not a forum vendor.

That's great information. Many thanks.

Martin

[Martin]

Dart SHP block, and Dart Pro-1 195 heads. Excellent combination for good street manners, good power, and excellent reliability.

I would definatly reconsider the cam shaft. 8 stack individual runner intake systems do better with a wider LSA, like 114-116*. Comp Cams makes a couple of grinds specifically for stroker engines. Look in the 5.0 section. Inglese also sells a couple of cams specifically for their intake systems (made by CC, of course).
Thanks Bob. I thought the lobe separation was a problem, but wasn't sure.

I need the heads to be not be raised to help with fitment. Are the dart heads raised?

[edwardb]

Cylinder length is better in the DART. The DART also has 4 bolt mains all the way across. The boss is 2 bolt on 1 and 5, 4 bolt on 2, 3, and 4.

It depends. The DART Iron Eagle (from OP) has 4 bolt mains in all 5 positions. The SHP and Sportsman blocks are 4 bolt only on 2, 3, and 4 like the Boss.

http://www.dartheads.com/products/engine-blocks/ford-small-blocks

[Bob Cowan]

Thanks Bob. I thought the lobe separation was a problem, but wasn't sure.

I need the heads to be not be raised to help with fitment. Are the dart heads raised?

No, they're not. Intake and exhaust ports are in the stock location.

Their big claim to fame is improved cylinder filling from increased port velocity. Very important with IR intake systems.

The valves are spread out just a tad more than stock. Supposed to perform better with a large bore. The only fitment problem with that is you'll have a tough time finding a girdle that fits - I havn't found one yet.

[mike forte]

Hi Martin,
Jesse builds lots of stroker engines here at Forte's. The Ford Boss block is a top quality block as are the Dart blocks. Dart has 4 versions, SHP, Iron Eagle Sportsman, Iron Eagle & Race series Aluminum block. Ford Racing has 2 versions with a Boss block with either a 4" or 4.125" bore & the Ford Racing aluminum block.
I like building the Ford Boss 4.125" block with a 3.25" stroke so it displaces 347 CID. This displacement can easily support 415-450 without anything exotic.
Attached is a link to Forte's youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/user/fortesparts
If you are interested in Forte's Engine Build Experience please contact me or Jesse.

Mike Forte
Forte's Parts Connection
40 Pearl Street
Framingham, Mass. 01702
mikeforte302@gmail.com
508 875 0016
www.fortesparts.com
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/...?v=info&ref=ts
The Early Ford & FE Tremec were also originals from Mike. The Mustang firewall adjustable quadrant kit also is an original from Mike. His latest developements are external slave clutch release conversions & cable release conversions too.
Tremec Elite Distributor for: T-5, T-56, T-56 Magnum & TKO-500 & TKO-600
TKO-500 & TKO-600 Midshifter, Front shifter, offset Corvette shifter and more...
A REAL SPEED SHOP with parts, price & knowledge....
Est: 1981 selling & building performance parts to build your dream car...
FORD RACING & QUICKTIME DISTRIBUTOR. NEW 5 LUG AXLES & BRAKE KITS & NEW 8.8\" REAREND IN BOTH IRS & FOX AXLE.

[Martin]

Thanks Mike.

The engine build experience is probably not going to happen. Once we add in flights to the us and a week's accommodation we are looking at $3000 on top of the engine. We would love to do it though.

I'm still trying to figure everything out without taking up too much time from one or more vendors. Ultimately, only one vendor will get the business for the engine and its not fair to take up time with questions I should know the answer to already.

Martin