New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

The new block thread on HAMB is getting real interesting. Tod states that he has had a block poured and is preparing to make more. He expects to have completed block later this year. I am not a member of HAMB so I can not post over there. Perhaps someone here who is a HAMB member can get Tod to post some info here. See link below to get to the HAMB thread about the new blocks.


http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=616056

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

It's a pretty exciting thread and very good for the hobby.

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

I saw the block at the foundry last week and Henry himself would have been proud.

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Done

Mike

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

OK, here I am. Wasn't really expecting the massive reception, but it's good to know there is interest. Fire away boys.

Tod

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Welcome Tod. Am I ever happy that you are creating, manufacturing new blocks for Model A Fords. I'm not smart enough to have questions but look forward to discovering everything about your new product. Maybe not today but within the year you'll well known on the Model A Highway.

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

There is another thread here on the barn with more info and a picture.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=135011

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Tod, welcome aboard. I like what I saw over on the hamb. Maybe you could give us a little bit of background info on yourself and post a couple pictures here for all of the A folks. Please keep us posted on your progress. Thanks for being an innovator and helping the hobby!

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

I hAve a ? Tod how much will a short block and or a long block cost when done . I need two. Thanks

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Right now, I'm only going to produce blocks. I will start looking into this request with a builder and see what he thinks.

Tod

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

My background is in the casting industry. 37 years. Almost every type of metal, casting process, pattern kind, CAD design, 3D CNC, machining programming, CNC repair, and a lot of other boring stuff. Aside from technical mathematics, my 6 years of university at 4 schools in 2 states is not worth talking about when it comes to my job. I have owned my own pattern shop/machine shop/ and at one time foundry for 23 years.

I will try to post some more pictures and maybe a video on Youtube of the first pour.

Tod

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Will the new block be cast from the same formula as the original block?
Or is there even a better mixture to use?

I've never done any casting, but it sure looks like an interesting thing to learn.

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Tod, I watch this with eagerness. I would like to get in on the ground floor and help you sell as many as possible. This is one part that is not being reproduced yet accurately but, needs to be.

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

i thought i read that the blocks were going to be sold thru snyders but i am not positive.

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

James and Mitch, I like Snyder's worldwide network as a foundation but due to secondary machining that will likely be based on a wide variety of customer needs, I may have to have a few strategically placed builders/finish machinists to meet market demand.

I'm still trying to get a feel for how many of these I need to make for a first run. Individuals are saying they want 1, or, 2, or 3, and I have not added that up yet, and it is also just talk so far. All that can happen until I make more samples and machine some is talk. But that is how we will determine demand. You know, am I going to sell a hundred of these or 2-3 hundred? A thousand? I don't know. I don't know how many Snyder can sell. Any help selling them is obviously welcome. Snyder's has been instrumental in helping my business along so I owe them my loyalty first.

Tod

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

The blocks are cast with the same alloy as my 351 Clevelands. They make all kinds of power, so I think it will be fine for these blocks. The aluminum will be 356 T6 with ductile sleeves, but that is secondary to the stock iron version.

Tod

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

thanks tod for getting back
there is lots of interest in this endeavor good luck

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Hi Tod and welcome to FB. I too am glad you are coming with personal interaction with us. I guess my question is "why"? Looking at it from both an economics standpoint and a 'need' basis, what is your reasoning behind producing this?


From my perspective and experience, the supply of good cylinder case (block) cores is seemingly out there for future rebuilds providing someone is willing to work at getting them. Most professional engine rebuilders I know already have a handful of extra cores, so are they the ones asking for a new block? Now I agree that there are a few blocks (--by percentages) that have deteriorated cooling passages where replacement is best however I cannot help but ponder the thought that the perceived value when it comes time for someone to actually open their wallet to pay for this new block is possibly going to be disappointing. I hope I am wrong for your sake!!


To the group as a whole, I realize this is going to come across as me being a naysayer yet as I look at other items that have come --and now are gone, it does cause the thought of concern. A great example of this is the recent 'out-of-production' Burlington crankshaft where Chris did all the right things to create a nice product that would be considered a better engineered part over the original offering. The buzz was always how much this would improve the drivability of the Model-A and many folks seemingly offered great enthusiasm how they would buy one if offered, ....yet Chris stopped manufacturing simply because of lack of sales and ROI. Also, do we remember a few years ago where a newly manufactured Model-A transmission complete with a new case was offered yet look at the sales there too. Also consider how the new Stipe shocks are out of production now, and think about how the Brumfield was the head of choice until the market had an offering of multiple head manufacturers, ...and one went by the wayside. While I have no idea on the status of the Terry Burtz engine, it sure seems plausible to me that if there are two cylinder case manufacturers, the amount of customers who actually pay the money would be so few for each that the ROI is likely to create a financial hardship where it might follow in the same footsteps as Burlington, Stipe, Brumfield, et/al. So what am I missing?

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

OK, let's see if I can summarize:

1) There are plenty of cores available.
2) Most builders have some cores so they aren't interested in a new block.
3) Other stopped or failed parts implies the need for no new blocks (Burtz included).
4) I can't possibly make this worth my while.
5) You definitely have no use for one of my blocks.

Seems you could have just stated #5 and left it at that.

Tod

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

I want an aluminum one BAD
speedster baby
dragster
I have been planning a fed with a model a engine for a loooong time
as far as actually drilling out the bolts to see how much lighter I could make a model a engine
now with the option of a aluminum block (not a Donavon) I am giddy with excitement
tk

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Well played!!!!!
Great attitude. Stock model A purists are notorious for tripping over dollars to save pennies.

Don't let this dissuade you from your pursuit. The improvements you are incorporating is benefit enough.


.

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Me too !!!!!!!!

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps144ce8e8.jpg

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Tod,

As you well know, "You can't please everybody" stay the course, You win!!

BTW, just mention inserts and babbit and you will see the love........

Carry on, I am up for alum casting, not machined though. I have things to do and the stock holes interfere.....

John

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

John,

Email me, and we can discuss the aluminum block.

Tod

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Clearly, at some point there will not be enough quality blocks (repairable at least) and new blocks needed. It is good to know a few out there willing to reverse engineer the blocks. Living near what was a massive Ford casting plant in Cleveland, which was closed and the scrap sold to China, the Art of Casting is dying. Thanks to the few, who stand the heat to keep it somewhat alive.

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Yep. You've got to be ahead of the curve. I've been in the old Ford foundry and it was pretty impressive. The plant manager at the time is a friend of my iron foundry's owner, Corey. We went there when I was sampling my second FE project.

We are just down the road from you in Youngstown.

Tod

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

I haven't had any luck with rebuilt motors, so I am hoping the price for the new motors will be able to be kept at reasonable price. I have been holding off from installing a more modern four or six cylinders in my model A's in hope that either Terry's or Todd's motors will be available soon.

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Looks like i will be stuck with my model A a long long time. Nice to know someone is making replacement blocks. Maybe Snyders will have one on the shelf in 20 years or however long it takes for me to buy one. If the new transmission rumor is true someone wealthy could almost build a model A from new parts!

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

I would ask the same question. What's wrong with some reasonable negative questions or just playing the devils advocate? I didn't see anything in Brent's comment to provoke the smart azz answer Tod made. Sometimes it is better to keep your mouth shut and look like a fool that to open it and remove all doubt. Other comments follow the same line. I am not trying to be curt but, there is nothing wrong with civil discussion on a topic without insulting comments.
As for Tod's motive for pursuing this, why not. Ford did then and even now by building many failed engines and made great strides in development of motor technology by experimentation and successes. The way I see it, it is his time and money, let him use it as he sees fit.

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

What makes you think a new block will make any of the builders you have used be a better builder? If you put lipstick on a pig it still will be a pig.

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Why the need to be negative at all? You both appear to be friends, you both do engines....makes sense you would defend him....

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

I am not defending any one person, just the right to have a civil discussion with both sides represented without smart alec responses. I don't even take offense to your implication that I am defending just Brent. if you look closely, you will see I defended Tod's right to spend his money and time as he sees fit.

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

I guess the whole thing is just unfortunate because now Tod feels he can't talk about his project here and stated in his other thread he will only provide updates on the HAMB, and through PMs or his email.

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

I guess that is also his right. The saying is "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen".

BTW, I build engines, I do my wife!

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Uhhh.........congrats? LOL

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

You guys do realize that this "new" block is an improved design, with provisions for pressure oiling and other similar advancements.

...Stuff that a lot of banger guys spend considerable time and money modifying originals to achieve the same results.

I definitely see a market for that...

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

Not yet the first block are pretty much like stock (Tods engines) he says it's easy to make changes to create almost custom blocks.

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

I don't see it that way at all, did he tell you that was the reason?

There two identical threads here on the barn "New Block thread on H.A.M.B." and "New Block cast in OHIO." There is a thread 6 pages long on HAMB. It just stands to reason that placing comments and answering questions in one place that started it all, instead of three is easier.

Re: New Block thread on H.A.M.B.
 

X TWO !!
Well said and I would like to add to this....A LOT, but will bite the tongue.
Tod, FULL STEAM AHEAD AND DAMN THE TORPEDOES !!!!!!
You do not and should not have to explain WHY you do anything and what the heck is that about anyway :confused: ! I hope that you are taking notice and making a list..kinda like the white house does,eh:D