On the left the microscopic structure of typical cast iron is shown, the stronger sphereical structures within ductile iron can be seen on the right.

Ductile iron is a form of cast iron which has improved strain resistance due to the spherical shape of the graphite particles in the alloy. Because of this ductile iron is an ideal material for applications that require high stress loads relative to their shape or size. Dart sportsman series blocks employ ductile iron main caps for excellent tensile strength.

Metal casting is a manufacturing process where metal is heated to a liquid form and poured into a hollow mold. The metal is allowed to solidify and the resultant casting is removed from the mold. (more…)

In a priority main oiling system, the oil from the engines primary oil galley is supplied first to the main bearings and then to the cam, lifters and top end. This ensures that the critical crankshaft main bearings receive adequate lubrication for highly stressed racing applications. (more…)

When specifying aluminum alloys, there are usually two important numbers used. As an example, C355-T61 is the alloy Dart uses for all of our cast aluminum blocks and cylinder heads. The C355 number refers to the specific elements contained in the alloy, and the T61 refers to the heat treatment used to condition the metal after it is cast to shape. (more…)

The microscopic structure of gray iron is shown on the left, the stronger CGI is shown on the right.

Compacted graphite iron (CGI) is a form of cast iron which has elongated graphite particles mixed with spherical graphite particles present within the alloy, as opposed to the graphite “flakes” present in typical cast iron. (more…)

A billet 6061 aluminum block.

6061 is an aluminum alloy containing elements of silicon and magnesium, and is typically supplied in billet rather than cast form.  The alloy has excellent mechanical properties that make it highly suitable for a wide range of high strength manufacturing applications, from automotive parts to aircraft components. (more…)

C355-T61 is an alloy of aluminum used for casting. It contains copper as well as magnesium and silicon as alloying elements. The combination of alloying elements in C355 create a metal that ranks among the highest in strength and elasticity for aluminum casting alloys. (more…)

Computer Numerical Control machining, commonly called CNC, means that all of the actions of the machining center are controlled by a computer program rather than directly by the human operator. (more…)

The as cast chambers of a Platinum series cylinder head.

The Platinum version of the Dart’s popular Iron Eagle and PRO 1 heads are the direct descendants of Dart’s Pro Stock engine program. wet-flow technology and improved combustion efficiency propelled the project. (more…)