Well there might be a light at the end of the Tunnel for an aluminum Hemi Block, will know in a few weeks what that light will produce or if it will fade into darkness. It has always been tough being Mopar since the 70s and still is harder even today. Always easier running a Chevy but who wants to be like everyone else.

The only reason I still have a Mopar in my dragster is because it's the last piece of unusual identity I have. The thing I struggle with is, Mopar hasn't done anything to support us in years. I like to turn on win lights, that's why I race. With a BBC in the car, I gain the knowledge, parts assortment, history of builds and recipes, to do exactly that. It's no more a BBC than a Mopar, it's just supported equipment, although I lose my Mopar identity. Big deal, again the reason I race is to turn on win lights. If all I wanted to do was T&T sessions, I would still run a 493 or something. If I am unable to qualify, I'm not in the show. It's that simple.

Well...long live the Hemi and God bless those who continue to run them, but...

I don't believe most drag racers need and/or want an aluminum and/or Hemi block. Serious bracket, Top Sportsman/Dragster or dot 90 racers, Stock/Super Stock guys, etc. are not lined up waiting for them. Maybe I'm wrong, but iron blocks that don't cost 6K, capable of supporting 1000 - 1200 horsepower without running over the crankshaft, is what most folks would like to be able to get.

Mopar, what or who is that now a days. It has been sold a few times and the old ownership or mind set is slowly fading away with the new owners. No Loyalty with the owners to the old stuff we use. No Cast Iron Hemi Block for a very long long time from Mopar and I understand it is not cheap to cast an iron block but it was done before and should of continued being done. Like people have said before if they make a block now your better get on the bandwagon and get one before things fall apart and there are none. My OEM Cast Iron Hemi Blocks will not live with todays technology and HP. Need a cast iron or aluminum block to survive with 1000+ HP capabilities. Found out today some of the crap is being solved again with the KB Blocks and will know in a few weeks if that is solved and maybe they will be back offering them or not.

I was told by the head of Mopar Performance around 1998, that they would have 1 million dollars invested, before they sold 1 block. I wouldn't hold my breath.

For me: It's done, it's over. I ran them 35 years and it was cool but the block drama and the overall cost just isn't worth it anymore. There are other ways to go for a racer. Technology on some of the more modern alternatives is evolving every month. Sure they were cool, glad I have the old photographs to remember them by.

runcharger I believe you had Banning build a Hemi motor for you in the past and it was a two carb motor. Likely the KBs will be back on track in some way or another in the near future. Canadian Dollar sure puts an added cost when building any motor and having to put 25% on a new KB block price sure sucks. So when people complain about the cost of a motor try building it from another country beside the USA. Banning has a few builds lately that have had helpers and a fuel management systems. My son preaches this stuff to me all the time and knows this kind of new technology inside and out and if I build a big Hemi Motor it likely will have a fuel management system on it and not two carbs. I just hope what I heard today is what is happening with the KBs and nothing happens to derail what is going on today and in the future.

But,as far as turning on win lights, that has more to do with the total combination, the tune, the person turning the wrenches, and the driver. Like you said, there are just as many real Chevy parts as there are Mopar parts in any given build. It comes down to what you want to relate to. I, myself, am questioning the Mopar loyalty. My first professionally built motor had no availability for good intake manifolds. I waited 4 months for the Team G to come out. Almost used a SBC intake with adapters. When there are no more blocks available, then I will rethink my build directions.

When Tom runs Top Dragster he has to qualify first before he can race..That is the issue for those of us who wish to run Top Dragster or Sportsman. As he said if we don't qualify we don't race. OUt west it is a big investment and risk to travel to a race and HOPE you can qualify so you can get the opportunity to race

So the Keith Black block thread has morphed into a Mopar bashing thread?

I'm not jumping ship to a belly button motor.

Crazy isn’t it. My Father has an old saying that fits pretty good here

Don’t let the door hit you on your azz on the way out. Lol
If you want to go to Chevy please just go.

The message here is, I don't want to. But I have certain things I want to be able to do, a time frame and a budget. And I am looking at options to be able to do that. I've been Mopar for nearly 40 years. I didn't abandon them. They left me high and dry. Serious people have tried to pick up the ball and run with it. Tony doesn't want to play.

Enough of the MOPAR bashing guys.
I understand the guys that are racing a certain class or event and need all of the et and speed they can get. If you can't get what you think you need, you will race a GM (just like all of the other clones and sheep)
For myself, I don't have to be the fastest. My ego can handle it.
BUT I do have to drive or race a MOPAR. That is my EGO. I will settle for what I can get and drive my Mopar.

Okay...... Back on track......

It's been 9 months since the start of this thread........ And there has been no indication that the flow of K B blocks into the marketplace is currently any better than it was a year ago.

Just more waiting for the guys who have already been waiting....... For years.

I understand for those who have put out the cash why this is so frustrating. But I don’t see why anyone building new now wouldn’t go with a BAE block. Sounds like the price isn’t a big difference, and you can get one machined to your heart’s desire in a short time.

Not to stay off track but in my comment I said nothing about going non-Mopar/Fiat. I love my Viper and if I wanted to go fast I would do it with a Viper and turbos or blower, Failing that a modern Mopar/Fiat V8 and boost.
Back to the Soap Opera.

If you want to go to Chevy please just go.

Gee thanks for your permission, already gone. I was waiting for that you loyalist you! Keep Test & Tuning.

CN has billet Hemi blocks. $9K, give or take.

Ya I’m a test n tuner alright. Lol.