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An endeavor such as having your own block poured is no small order by any means.
Kent has a a level of drive and tenacity I have seen in very few people.
Couldnt imagine what its like in a big corp trying to get something like that accomplished.
The politics and smoozing would be tremendous.
Koffels went thru some trials too I'm sure.
Maybe Scott or Rich could share... or maybe not.
Why dwell on past aggravations, life way too short.

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100 million % (even if your the one thats making the casting) It is very refreshing to see when people take the time to try and understand everything involved in it....one way I try to describe it to people is that its like building a car from the ground up, you put all of your time, money, heart and blood into it and sometimes even neglect relationships in order to get it done. But in this case not only is it a reflection of your craftsmenship but also determines your future (both reputation and livelihood)....its a lot to chew!

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Regarding availability of Aluminum HEMI/440 Blocks
I didn’t want this to sound like a sales pitch but I didn’t know any other way to put it. I’ve read that there may be an issue getting Iron HEMI and/or 440 blocks. Just so you know our production is picking up and the foundry has been getting more cores made for our KB Aluminum Street HEMI/440 and the low deck 440 blocks. If anyone would like to order a block that can handle 2,500 HP + please let me know. I know its overkill for a street engine but it’s the only way we make them. We have been very close to making an Iron HEMI block several times but after looking at all of the problems this would create we decided to wait for a more opportune time, too many issues to go into here. Lead time is approximately 6 weeks and current price is $5,150 for a “Race Ready” block with head studs, nuts and washers (all ARP by the way including the main studs and nuts), cam bearings installed, and no additional machine work required. If you have any questions just give me a call. Thanks for reading.
Ken Black
562-869-1518

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Regarding availability of Aluminum HEMI/440 Blocks
I didn’t want this to sound like a sales pitch but I didn’t know any other way to put it. I’ve read that there may be an issue getting Iron HEMI and/or 440 blocks. Just so you know our production is picking up and the foundry has been getting more cores made for our KB Aluminum Street HEMI/440 and the low deck 440 blocks. If anyone would like to order a block that can handle 2,500 HP + please let me know. I know its overkill for a street engine but it’s the only way we make them. We have been very close to making an Iron HEMI block several times but after looking at all of the problems this would create we decided to wait for a more opportune time, too many issues to go into here. Lead time is approximately 6 weeks and current price is $5,150 for a “Race Ready” block with head studs, nuts and washers (all ARP by the way including the main studs and nuts), cam bearings installed, and no additional machine work required. If you have any questions just give me a call. Thanks for reading.
Ken Black
562-869-1518

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for those who have not done reasearch on costs that price is as good as it gets. it is near dead even with what you will spend for others when you add in all the machine work and hardware. plus it will withstand more HP

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What about aluminum blocks? What's the story on those right now?

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Big thread on main cap stud/bolt torque issues. I wouldn't touch one. You can't replace main cap bolts/studs without re-line honing.