New Block thread on H.A.M.B.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

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Originally Posted by Tod

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

Tod

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?