Dolomite Sprint Motorsport blocks

[Dolly racer 33]

Hi guys, I am looking for some Dolomite Sprint Motorsport cylinder blocks. Probably easier to find hens teeth I know.

These blocks have much thicker main bearing webs & were used from 1977 onwards in the race Dolomites & in the F3 Unipart cars. I have one currently in a race car which allows much more power at higher revs, The one currently running regularly uses over 9,000 rev/min. If I cannot find any I am considrering having some made, dependant upon cost. any interested parties can contact me.

Ken.

[Dolly-Nut]

I see you're called Ken, I don't know your surname but I know of a Ken Osbourne who has at least 1. If this is not you I can get you in touch with him...
Alternatively to having some made I think you have the choice of either boring an 1850 block or possibly a Saab 99 1700 engine. These apparently have more meat left on them. There will be more knowledgeable people on here that may know more...

[Dolly-Nut]

You may find this interesting http://www.saabrally.com/forums/viewtop ... 1&start=15

[soe8m]

Hey, i know that guy.

Jeroen

[2drToledo]

It might be worth trying to contact Terry Van Der Zee in Dorset: Bere Regis way, I think. The last I heard he had quite few special components of this nature. Googling might be the easiest way.

What are you building now Ken?!

[Dolly racer 33]

I have read the Saab thread. We have to use original Sprint blocks. Standard useable blocks are in very short supply, I know Terry van der see & Ken Osbourne but doubt very much they would have any motorsport blocks . In the 25 years I have been running sprints I have only ever found 1.

If you want to achieve serious power without the possibility of cracking blocks above 7,500 rev/min the only option is new Motorsport blocks. Subject to cost I am considering having some done but it really does depend on cost. Obviously the more I can sell, the cheaper they will be.

I am currently involved in building or preparing 6 race sprints, if I can make them more reliable and produce more power then I must look to this route.

The Sprint I am running with the Motorsport block produces over 200 bhp @ 8,000 rev/min compared to 195 @ 7,300 rev/min from my standard block. I have not measured the power at 9,000 rev/min as I have not been brave enough.

Ken Clarke

[xvivalve]

Ken,

I have a prospective new Client who owns a precision casting foundry (iron and aluminium). Want me to have a word in due course? Subject to cost, I could be interested...

Alun

[Dolly racer 33]

Alun,

thanks, I will bare that in mind. I think the most expensive part will be the pattern making.

Ken.

[Dolly-Nut]

I will cross my fingers and check all my blocks just in case...
Ken assured me that he had one in one of his cars.

Is it not possible to strengthen a standard block enough? Or is that ruled out from regulations?

This sort of thing interests me.

[soe8m]

I will cross my fingers and check all my blocks just in case...
Ken assured me that he had one in one of his cars.

Is it not possible to strengthen a standard block enough? Or is that ruled out from regulations?

This sort of thing interests me.

Bracing it but than the Dutch way. New machined bearingcaps that slot into the brace. No movement at all. Not like the alu ones with long studs and a lot of nuts and washers.

Jeroen

[Dolly racer 33]

You can never brace it enough. The main cap studs have holes at the top of the thread on the standard block & the websaround the main bearins are only about 3/8 or 10mm thick. on the motorsport block they are over 1" or 25mm thick with the possibility of making them 4 bolt mains. You could never make the standard block this strong.

I have used a13mm plate with long studs in the bottom of the block, I was the first to do this but still after regular 8,000 rev/min plus useage the blocks crack & it is a lot of work to recreate a 'race spec' block.

Ken.

[xvivalve]

Undoubtedly, the pattern(s) would be by far the expensive bit. I wonder if any originals survive; stranger things have happened. Any idea of who the original casting firms were?

[Hobo]

Have we got any idea of the number of people who would be interested?

[Dolly racer 33]

About 6 interested parties at present& that includes me & 3 of my customers so at present not viable> I will not spend £20,000+ to sell less than 10. I need 15 to 20 orders before I would contemplate starting the job.

[lazeruspete]

I may be interested depending on price.....!