why would you want a cnc machined short block, a cnc is only as good as the person setting it up..chc cant tell if it has a bad ston or a bad carbide cutter..i would rather have a proficient machinist with the skill's and machines he is use to doing the machine work..believe me I've seen more mistakes with cnc machining centers on products then a one man milling machine where he can control what he is doing and not a computer.

What mistakes happen on CNC that wouldn't happen on manual feed, if both operators are proficent with their equipment ?

A cnc is designed to set up and walk away and let the machine do its work with nobody most of the time watching it..
What happens if the block shifts? and nobody is their watching it? i would rather have someone watching my parts being machined and being measured by hand instead a computer guessing what the measurements would be if the block isn't chalked square..believe me the machine would be going about its business even if its off by a tho or two or more..

i guess im old school,if you want it done rite you gotta do it yourself

look for getrdunn's post on the dart pro 1 cnc heads he bought,they were cnc'ed and one wouldnt fit over the studs..

No argument, then, we have seen a "group" use their personal measuring tools, all getting different numbers.

Modern, updated equipment is a big commitment.

Cat,
I think you can custom order blocks from Dart where they will CNC machine the cam, lifter & cylinder bores to your specs. Your engine builder will still do the final clean-up/finish/hone/fit/wash, etc. Is this what you are thinking?
Ben

Ben, Perhaps as you already know, I spoke w/ MR and was highly impressed.

Just tying up some loose ends.....Should be ready to do something next week.....Meanwhile, something reminded me to ask here about equipment.

In fact, is there anything you need to check on in west Texas , next wk. ?

This next week is not good as I will be in OH Tues-Fri. I could probably be able to head West sometime 10/20-22.

That might work, lets play it by ear.

Also if that shop hasn't done the same block before,he would have to write a program to do it. Ive been in a few shops,and gone behind some of them and found stuff beforeYa pay for a pro and have to go behind them.There a lot of them out there that talk a good game. Go with someone that has a good reputation,and a reputation to loose.

Is the 2010 EPA legislation a consideration on this build design?