I'm really excited about Dart's latesting offering. If you're looking to build a new motor or even an assembled short-block - there's a new option to check out.

TROY, Mich. – Dart's new Special High Performance (SHP) small-block meets the need for an affordable, precision-machined cast-iron block with superior features. Designed for high-performance and heavy-duty applications producing up to 600 horsepower, the SHP block is the ideal starting point for hot rodders, drag racers, circle track competitors, off-roaders, and high-performance marine enthusiasts. Two part numbers cover the vast majority of small-block engine combinations: 31161111 (4.00" bore) and 31161211 (4.125" bore).

Made in the USA on all-new tooling, the SHP block delivers exceptional value. Priced hundreds of dollars less than a full-race block, the SHP block eliminates the time and expense of rebuilding a junkyard core. The SHP block is tailored to the most popular performance and racing applications, with 350 main bearings and a choice of 4.00" and 4.125" cylinder bores.

SHP blocks are manufactured on Dart's in-house CNC machining centers to precision tolerances. The SHP block's siamesed cylinders have a.230" minimum wall thickness at 4.165" bore diameter. Other features include a true priority-main oiling system that ensures reliable lubrication at high rpm, ductile iron main bearing caps (with splayed four-bolt caps on the center mains), .625" thick decks with blind head bolt holes, and clearance for long-stroke crankshafts.

The SHP block retains the first-generation small-block's original dimensions and is compatible with stock components, including OEM-style hydraulic roller lifters and camshafts, steel and plastic timing chain covers, side and front motor mounts, clutch linkage pivots, and mechanical fuel pumps. 

Dart's Special High Performance Group has also developed pre-engineered, dyno-tested combinations that make it easy to build a powerful and durable performance engine at a very affordable price. Based on Dart's Special High Performance cast-iron small-block V-8, SHP assembled short blocks include a crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, and rings. Dart top-end kits include cylinder head assemblies, an intake manifold, valve covers, fasteners, gaskets and spark plugs.

SHP short-block assemblies are available in 372ci (4.125" bore x 3.48" stroke) and 400ci (4.125" x 3.75") combinations. Both versions feature premium quality components, including an internally balanced steel crankshaft, forged 4340 steel I-beam connecting rods with 3/8" cap screws, hypereutectic flat-top pistons with full floating wrist pins, Hastings moly rings, Clevite bearings, and coated cam bearings. Top-end kits include Dart Iron Eagle or PRO1 aluminum cylinder head assemblies with stainless steel valves and dual valve springs, a Dart aluminum intake manifold, chrome-plated Dart valve covers, fasteners, gaskets, and spark plugs.

Both SHP engine combinations make big horsepower on a budget. A prototype 400ci engine with 10.5:1 compression, a hydraulic roller cam, Dart 200cc cylinder heads, and a Dart single-plane intake manifold made 525 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 525 lb.-ft. torque at 4000 rpm – more power than a $13,000 LS7 crate motor! A 372-cubic-inch SHP engine assembly with 9.5:1 compression ratio and 180cc heads with a Dart dual-plane intake manifold produced 470 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 470 lb.-ft. torque at 4200 rpm – exceptional performance in a very streetable package.