From some simple searches, it seems that the stock sleeves start to oval around 850 whp (vq35de), of course one solution is the darton sleeves

How do the css block guards perform? Some of the Honda guys claim it helps with reliability and is a viable solution (Google search)

Material is 6061 aluminum, so yield strength isn't particularly high however it may prevent this "ovaling" of the stock cylinders at a reasonable power level (950-1000 whp?), due to the tight fitment...

Thanks for your input

 

Sub'd. Interested in what others have to say.

 

If your cylinders are going to oval would a half inch of aluminum at the top of the block really prevent that?

https://cylindersupportsystem.com/

 

Their are some guys with VQ's that have had this done by another company , but I've never heard any updates about the Performance.

 

seems they are not well liked in other communities such as honda. well at least the cheaper drop in block guards. supposedly they are made of a different metal and expand differently with heat, so they actually cause the cylinder to oval because of that. Essentially those RJM closed deck blocks are just a more precision version of this. They are more precisely cut block guards, with what I am guessing is a metal matched to the block material, and then the top is machines flat.

 

The cost of swapping to a LS motor and getting that to 1000whp is much MUCH cheaper than trying to make a vq35 reliable with 1000whp. Just my thoughts

 

If it was truly 1/2" dimension with the 30 ksi material then it'll add 15,000 lbf assuming the block does not crack (of course it isn't that straightforward, but it'll add some strength but the question is how much?)

 

If I were to swap I'd go all out and swap in the v10 from the e60

 

are you aware of B is for Build? He dropped a 10 from an M5 into a 240z...look him up on youtube - sorta an interesting guy...

 

Yeah I watched that build here and there, it came out pretty damn good TBH

 

I think there is a member or two on here running the RJM closed deck blocks.....hopefully they'll chime in on how its holding up. I'm curious on the differences between the 2 companies. CSS looks as if there is a slight recess around the cylinders and RJM looks completely flat all the way across......with absolutely no knowledge of any of this I would think having a completely flat mating surface would be better to utilize clamping force for the head gasket?


CSS VQ block

RJM VQ block

 

I agree that a flat surface is more desirable for a better head to block seal and mating surface. If i was given a choice between the two companies, RJM would get my monies. Not knocking CCS as it looks like a good alternative, perhaps for milder setups. Good info in this thread for what we all know soo far.

 

You Guys should have seen the Nasty Filthy Block that my friend ordered from RJM.....

You would think they would start with a nice clear Block and make it look newish before shipping it to a customer.

Darton Sleeve is By Far, The Very Best way to Go for over 900whp

 

I think the reason why this block guard is attractive is because you do not have to machine the block for the darton sleeves (so saves money and is quicker installation) but also because there is a faint promise that the 800-900 whp will be reliable. This figure (I'd argue) is also plenty for most weekend cars

 

Rzg motorsports apperently used these css block guards for two vq35de

"1000 whp rating" and will be proven if it works shortly, I am in contact with one individual who has this install

 

Cengineer ... I volunteer you to get the block guard and do a full gamit of research, testing, and development and return to us with a full report and results...

that will be all

all joking aside - you should do it, start a thread and become the matter-expert on it.

 

In the End, not that much cheaper than Sleeves

 

I think you can get a whole RJM closed deck block for around $1400-$1700.....sleeves alone are around $1200.... and a whole Mazworx darton sleeved block is $2800 seen here Mazworx darton block. I keep getting pulled back and forth as far as what direction to take with my engine build.....very reputable shops telling me to keep it simple and do pistons and rods only due to them seeing issues with the darton sleeves not being properly installed/machined causing multiple problems.....then hearing the exact opposite with no problems with the closed deck blocks offered by RJM and CSS. Basically I'm about to spend another $8500-$10000 for someone to build a complete longblock assembly for me and I don't want to get burned.........I just don't know what direction to take on all this.

 

I hear You!

What kind of Power are you looking for? Just for Street or?

I have a few friends WITHOUT Sleeves or a closed deck that do just fine. And they beat on their motors Hard to 8000rpm. In the 700-800+ WHP

Unless you are planning on making more than that, then a stock block is just fine. As long as it's put together Correctly......