DSS Main Support Sys....

[projectPONY]

...or any girdle for that matter.

Are they worth the money and do they do what they state to do?

[Sleeper]

I ran one back in the day. I forget the brand, but from what i gathered even back then they just hold crap together when the block cracks.

[black50]

they just hold crap together when the block cracks.

Yep

[Denny]

Ya, but I couldn't use my oil dipstick. The girdle kept it from going all the way into the sleeve (about 2 inches).

[black50]

The girdle kept it from going all the way into the sleeve (about 2 inches).

Hate when that happens

[projectPONY]

Wow, I really didn't think it would go this route.

[black50]

Wow, I really didn't think it would go this route.

Well to answer the question..

They are supposed to help keep the main caps from walking. I think it does help that 1 issue, but if you are talking 302's then they are going to split when you are north of 550rwhp...No matter what you do

I had one on my 331, making 534

[black50]

could also use this

http://www.horsepowersales.net/valleygirdlepro.htm

[projectPONY]

I've looked into that also but I do believe that means it would have to be taken apart. The engine I have has less than 500 miles on it.

[lilvega]

The caps can still walk with a girdle. When I built my 347 I had the mains line honed to straighten everything back up and installed main studs. Caps fit nice and tight and there wasn't any torsional stress on the block when they were torqued like a regular bolt would have done.
Then I will keep the rpm under 6500. Should live a long and healthy life.

[projectPONY]

The engine I'm considering the girdle for was line honed also and main studs installed. My plan is to keep it under 6500 also but I want that extra peace of mind but I need to justify the almost $400 of the girdle.

[svauto-erotic855]

Waste of time and money. Back in the day I split blocks on a regular basis even with a girdle until I switched to an old school boss 302 block.

[YALE]

Just save your pennies for a Dart block for when this one lets go.

[bigminz]

They are really good at helping hold the block together when they split so it's easier to get the broke block out of the car. Lol

[projectPONY]

Ok guys, I get it. Damn shame they don't actually do what they are intended to do.