Aftermarket factory-appearing Duramax block

RPM Motorsports

smokinum
May 13, 2008
3,271
10
38
Central Valley Ca.
How about an affordable aftermarket block (iron & aluminum, solid or 1/2 water jacket options) with L5P deck height, or even a 1” raised deck height for the deck plate guys ;) .

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IOWA LLY

Yes, its really me
Feb 23, 2007
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1/2 water jacket iron block would certainly be an appealing option to me if it’s substantially stronger then what we have available now.


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RPM Motorsports

smokinum
May 13, 2008
3,271
10
38
Central Valley Ca.
We just finished up the Solidworks “Factory Appearing” files about a week ago. Im getting ready to have molds made now, then the fun begins. Thicker casting around the critical areas including cylinder bores for much larger pistons, plus some improvements in other areas :) . Solid file below

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joshd472

New member
Oct 10, 2016
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We just finished up the Solidworks files about a week ago. Im getting ready to have molds made now, then the fun begins. Thicker casting around the critical areas including cylinder bores for much larger pistons, plus some improvements in other areas :) .

a8140eb0a21ae235f8791dacb090912d.jpg
a38447c8305643fc2f266d4dbff5fc13.jpg
bc1c6a66679309eeecdf7e393368670b.jpg



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I’m a cadd monkey. It’s how I make my living. Never fooled with solid works but if it’s as anal as cadd or revit is that’s some damn impressive work. Good job!
 

IOWA LLY

Yes, its really me
Feb 23, 2007
2,275
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Any idea on approximate cost?


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Muff

Just Learning
Oct 7, 2013
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Butler, Pa
Russ do you anticipate sleeving these blocks to prevent costly castastophic cylinder/piston failures?
 

IOWA LLY

Yes, its really me
Feb 23, 2007
2,275
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Please start a dedicated thread. I have lots of questions. $6K is not bad if it is indeed much stronger. Very interested


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TheBac

Why do I keep doing this?
Staff member
Apr 19, 2008
15,311
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Mid Michigan
Should be able to keep it under $6k for a finished block.., less than most have into their rotating assembly haha. Maybe I should start a new thread instead of jacking the L5P thread??

Your wish is my command! :rofl:

If you want the title changed, let me know.
 

Ridin'GMC

I like red
May 20, 2010
614
5
18
MA
I think they should explore making a block that could use the L5P crank, rods and pistons with the older generation heads, electronics, etc.

This is definitely a feasible option that most of us would take for building the engine. If the L5P doesn't have the broken crank issue as the older generation does, then this is the way I would definitely take as well as many others.
 

Dozerboy

Well-known member
Jun 23, 2009
4,809
391
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TX of course
The question is is the crank any better though. We might not really know that for a couple years. Builds might be better off just starting out with the aftermarket narrow journal crank. Then at least we would know what we’re starting out with is better. Maybe it wouldn’t be cost for prohibitive for Russ to have both available?


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OregonDMAX

NOT IN OREGON, NO DURAMAX
Apr 28, 2013
3,964
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Goodyear, AZ
I think they should explore making a block that could use the L5P crank, rods and pistons with the older generation heads, electronics, etc.
Exactly the way it should be
The question is is the crank any better though. We might not really know that for a couple years. Builds might be better off just starting out with the aftermarket narrow journal crank. Then at least we would know what we’re starting out with is better. Maybe it wouldn’t be cost for prohibitive for Russ to have both available
Time will tell but having the crank strapped down in a thicker bottom end with thicker casting material is only going to hold it together better
 

RPM Motorsports

smokinum
May 13, 2008
3,271
10
38
Central Valley Ca.
For right now the old style crank is in the plans, that can be changed later once we have enough time beating the L5P stuff up if needed/wanted. We are casting with a raised deck, so if somebody wanted to use L5P style pistons (re bush & get the pin away from the problem area) it’s doable. Or machine down to standard deck height and use 01-16 pistons. It’s not pictured, but we did add the extra L5P head bolts into the final, the above pics are early work.
 
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