DSS vs VT Longblocks

[Back2Mustangs]

OK,

DSS = $5000
VT = $7000

$2K more for pan, and valve-covers???

 

[DBMSTNG]

uh, we need more details. you may not be comparing apples to apples. what pistons, rods, cranks, barings, and rings are each running.

as far as quality and standing by it's product, VT engines wins big over DSS.

 

[Back2Mustangs]

as far as quality and standing by it's product, VT engines wins big over DSS.

Really? hmmm. DSS doesn't offer too many choices on internals, and the only longblocks I saw on VT's website were the "Street" and "Race" etc... they didn't get very specific on specs or brands. I was just wondering why VT was so much higher, because in the Fox world DSS is higher-priced than most other engine builders.

 

[Back2Mustangs]

BTW DBMSTNG... your avater reeeeeeeeeally creeps me out. It always has... I keep waiting for you to get tired of it and change it, but its always there.

 

[hognutz]

look at the crank in the dss kit. you don't get a forged crank until the super modular shortblock.

thier super mod longblock kit is around 7k


I think I like the vt stuff better if you want to go the more buget route. thier sr kit is fully forged for $2495. once you step up to the expensive kit they are both $3500.

 

[UNVMATT]

There isnt anything wrong with the DSS kit.. MM&FF and 5.0&SF both have used DSS with no problems. Rick Anderson also uses DSS built blocks, and if its good enough for him its good enough for anyone! DSS has great blueprinting operations. In a recent MM&FF test, they picked up 20hp just by switching from a stock low mileage short block to a DSS built short block..And the DSS short block didnt even have the lighter weight pistons that they now offer.

 

[Kronos]

Who makes the best block. In the WORLD

 

[VTEngine]

Best thing to do is call both companies, take notes of what it does and does not come with, then make an educated decision based on what the information is. That way, once you drop your money for the investment, you know exactly what you are getting/expecting.

 

[hognutz]

There isnt anything wrong with the DSS kit.. MM&FF and 5.0&SF both have used DSS with no problems. Rick Anderson also uses DSS built blocks, and if its good enough for him its good enough for anyone! DSS has great blueprinting operations. In a recent MM&FF test, they picked up 20hp just by switching from a stock low mileage short block to a DSS built short block..And the DSS short block didnt even have the lighter weight pistons that they now offer.

don't think anyone said there was anything wrong with DSS.

bottom line is no forged crank until you drop $3500. that would make me lean towards VT on the more buget shortblocks. $2500 completely forged vs dss $2799 with a nodular iron crank.

Now if I were going to drop the $3500 you woudl just have to go with what you prefer. i don't see a matarial advantage anywhere in either kit. the main difference is VT uses other compaies rod's and pistions and DSS uses it's own I guess. I am not sure if the parts are made in house or purchased from another company. you would have to call to find that out. I would assume they have them made to thier specs buy someone else.

All that being said I am sure they are both great shortblocks.

 

[VTEngine]

All that being said I am sure they are both great shortblocks.

Exactly. Either one is more than capable of creating a great engine package.

fwiw..... dss cnc's their own pistons, not sure who makes their rods.

 

[Darkhorse845]

A VT longblock is the best choice!

 

[Back2Mustangs]

don't think anyone said there was anything wrong with DSS.

bottom line is no forged crank until you drop $3500. that would make me lean towards VT on the more buget shortblocks. $2500 completely forged vs dss $2799 with a nodular iron crank.

Now if I were going to drop the $3500 you woudl just have to go with what you prefer. i don't see a matarial advantage anywhere in either kit. the main difference is VT uses other compaies rod's and pistions and DSS uses it's own I guess. I am not sure if the parts are made in house or purchased from another company. you would have to call to find that out. I would assume they have them made to thier specs buy someone else.

All that being said I am sure they are both great shortblocks.

Well I'm certainly not on a budget. I was just wondering what the huge gap in price was for. When playing with power in a vehicle I spare no expense. You get what you pay for most of the time and I'm a firm believer in doing it right the first time. Thanks for the help guys. I think I may consult VT for one of their longblocks.

 

[Darkhorse845]

VT is quality and thats not just a opnion!

 

[hotmustang331]

VT is also pricey and thats also not an opinion LOL. If you look at that $2500 VT forged block, its only good for 500HP, and doesnt include oil pump or pickup or rear seal plate. It says its simply a forged stock replacement, no H beam rods either, and uses stock main cap bolts. I wouldnt buy it if your gonna put alot of boost on it. And their stroker SB kit is 4K.

 

[VTEngine]

VT is also pricey and thats also not an opinion LOL. If you look at that $2500 VT forged block, its only good for 500HP, and doesnt include oil pump or pickup or rear seal plate. It says its simply a forged stock replacement, no H beam rods either, and uses stock main cap bolts. I wouldnt buy it if your gonna put alot of boost on it. And their stroker SB kit is 4K.

Actually the S/R DOES come with Hbeam forged rods. Made on the same assembly line as the Manley and Eagle Hbeams. We're engine builders, not assemblers. Very few engine shops do their own machining in house, so DSS and ourselves are one of the rare. If you take time to compare SHM, DSS, VT, etc., and look at the COMPONENTS, not just the price, you'll see they're all closely priced. Ex: SHM's l/b's are similarily priced to ours. However, you get stock springs, stock valves, and mild porting. Ours comes with Stainless ferrea valves, Comp valvesprings, and CNC porting. Same price, but which do you think is the better deal?

 

[Dan_Soprano]

Actually the S/R DOES come with Hbeam forged rods. Made on the same assembly line as the Manley and Eagle Hbeams. We're engine builders, not assemblers. Very few engine shops do their own machining in house, so DSS and ourselves are one of the rare. If you take time to compare SHM, DSS, VT, etc., and look at the COMPONENTS, not just the price, you'll see they're all closely priced. Ex: SHM's l/b's are similarily priced to ours. However, you get stock springs, stock valves, and mild porting. Ours comes with Stainless ferrea valves, Comp valvesprings, and CNC porting. Same price, but which do you think is the better deal?

Scott, do you guys do P&P and valve jobs on the 03/04 Cobra heads?

 

[LS2 KLR]

I've dealt with VT numerous times and have nothing but great things to say about them. Their customer service is top notch I just ordered a 5.0 modular shortblock locally but really wanted to buy from them. The only reason I didn't was because spending that much money it would be more convenient to buy locally and the fact that I could get a better "package" deal.