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Re: Keith Black Engines possibly closing the doors!!!!
[Re: 40ford]
#132092
10/05/08 12:35 PM
10/05/08 12:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,247
Mt. Vernon, Ohio
dartman366
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,247
Mt. Vernon, Ohio
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Quote:
That is truly sad if it is true. Obviously, either what they are making isn't selling or can't make what is selling.
As a small businessman involved in manufacturing, there could be many reasons why this is happening---lack of profit, lack of sales, cost too high, the wrong location to manufacture(happens a lot today) or it could be something as simple as the family doesn't want to do it any longer!
I hope at least the name/product line can continue.
altho I will never have the oportunity to buy one, I hate to hear of another auto sport's Icon leave the bussiness, I hope that someone will step up and help pull this company back together before it's too late. 
Light travels faster than the speed of sound,,,this is why some people seem bright untill you hear them speak.
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Re: Keith Black Engines possibly closing the doors!!!!
[Re: dartman366]
#132093
10/05/08 01:06 PM
10/05/08 01:06 PM
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Anonymous
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i bet indy and world are loving the news though'.  i hate to hear this again. it seems as though we are hearing this over and over again and we will hear this alot more in the near future.
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Re: Keith Black Engines possibly closing the doors!!!!
[Re: smokinwoody]
#132095
10/05/08 01:35 PM
10/05/08 01:35 PM
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Anonymous
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Sign of the times. You no worry, some Asian country make brock fo you.
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Post deleted by Defbob
[Re: Bob_Coomer]
#132096
10/05/08 02:05 PM
10/05/08 02:05 PM
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Re: Keith Black Engines possibly closing the doors!!!!
#132097
10/05/08 04:56 PM
10/05/08 04:56 PM
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Anonymous
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that's really bad news. it'll be a shame to lose the only true Race block capable of handling "serious" horsepower.
does anyone else offer anything with comparable features?
you know what i mean,things that really matter, not just an aluminum base block.
Billit steel caps
finished lifter bores in the size and angle of your choice
1/2" head studs
double cross bolted center mains
standard or raised cam with choice of bearing size
unparalled customer service
it seems like everything else available is okay for the average N/A or "mild" boost combo (1000-1500hp) but lacks plenty for a serious (1500+)engine combo.
we have nobody to blame but ourselves.
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Re: Keith Black Engines possibly closing the doors!!!!
#132098
10/05/08 05:11 PM
10/05/08 05:11 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,619
Norwich CT USA
Defbob
master
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master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,619
Norwich CT USA
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Quote:
that's really bad news. it'll be a shame to lose the only true Race block capable of handling "serious" horsepower.
does anyone else offer anything with comparable features?
you know what i mean,things that really matter, not just an aluminum base block.
Billit steel caps
finished lifter bores in the size and angle of your choice
1/2" head studs
double cross bolted center mains
standard or raised cam with choice of bearing size
unparalled customer service
it seems like everything else available is okay for the average N/A or "mild" boost combo (1000-1500hp) but lacks plenty for a serious (1500+)engine combo.
we have nobody to blame but ourselves.
HP Performance Block 
But I am disappointed to see Keith Black close. They made awesome parts and blocks. They're blocks were tried and true 2500hp capable blocks, even the street versions
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Re: Keith Black Engines possibly closing the doors!!!!
[Re: Defbob]
#132099
10/05/08 05:17 PM
10/05/08 05:17 PM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,840
Flint, Michigan
B1Fish540
master
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master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,840
Flint, Michigan
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Quote:
Quote:
that's really bad news. it'll be a shame to lose the only true Race block capable of handling "serious" horsepower.
does anyone else offer anything with comparable features?
you know what i mean,things that really matter, not just an aluminum base block.
Billit steel caps
finished lifter bores in the size and angle of your choice
1/2" head studs
double cross bolted center mains
standard or raised cam with choice of bearing size
unparalled customer service
it seems like everything else available is okay for the average N/A or "mild" boost combo (1000-1500hp) but lacks plenty for a serious (1500+)engine combo.
we have nobody to blame but ourselves.
HP Performance Block
But I am disappointed to see Keith Black close. They made awesome parts and blocks. They're blocks were tried and true 2500hp capable blocks, even the street versions
The Koffel/Koleno blocks are stout pieces, as well.
This could be one reason they are going out of business, Dram, there are alot of block choices now. The World blocks and the Indy have probably cut into their business, as well.
Last edited by Fish540; 10/05/08 05:20 PM.
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Re: Keith Black Engines possibly closing the doors!!!!
#132100
10/05/08 05:23 PM
10/05/08 05:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 996
Boynton Beach, Fl
Rapid588
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 996
Boynton Beach, Fl
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Arias has been making a similar Mopar based Hemi block to the KB that includes short, regular, and tall water blocks with raised cam and a lot of other options.  website http://www.nickariasjr.com/forsale.htmlHere is their description of the block: " 426 Hemi Block " Introducing the all new AA-500 Aluminum Block, a direct replacement fo your 426 Hemi. Many Fuel and Alcohol combinations can be manufactured. • Revised, proven oiling systems. • Outboard front/rear studs aid head stud retention. • 1/2 inch or 9/16 inch head studs. • Re-designed internal coring and ribbing dramatically increases strength and stability. • Standard or raised cam location. • Short, standard or high deck water or solid. • Short deck (.500) water blocks available. • Four -bolt front main. • "Y" block with four side bolts per cap. PRI
93 Dodge Stealth - Supercharged 526ci Hemi
93 Dodge Daytona Top Sportsman injected 588 Hemi - plus a lil NOS
67 Hemi GTX (may the 4speed with you!)
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Re: Keith Black Engines possibly closing the doors!!!!
[Re: Rapid588]
#132101
10/05/08 05:35 PM
10/05/08 05:35 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,619
Norwich CT USA
Defbob
master
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master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,619
Norwich CT USA
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Quote:
Arias has been making a similar Mopar based Hemi block to the KB that includes short, regular, and tall water blocks with raised cam and a lot of other options.
website http://www.nickariasjr.com/forsale.html
Here is their description of the block:
" 426 Hemi Block "
Introducing the all new AA-500 Aluminum Block, a direct replacement fo your 426 Hemi. Many Fuel and Alcohol combinations can be manufactured.
• Revised, proven oiling systems.
• Outboard front/rear studs aid head stud retention.
• 1/2 inch or 9/16 inch head studs.
• Re-designed internal coring and ribbing dramatically
increases strength and stability.
• Standard or raised cam location.
• Short, standard or high deck water or solid.
• Short deck (.500) water blocks available.
• Four -bolt front main.
• "Y" block with four side bolts per cap.
PRI
But there blocks have no cooling to the heads and missing three head bolts
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Post deleted by Defbob
[Re: Defbob]
#132102
10/05/08 05:48 PM
10/05/08 05:48 PM
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Re: Keith Black Engines possibly closing the doors!!!!
#132103
10/05/08 06:12 PM
10/05/08 06:12 PM
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Anonymous
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what is the true cost and availability of the other blocks mentioned? also, what options do they have.
i know the world block is really just a glorified replacement block with limited options. pretty much the same for the Indy block.
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Re: Keith Black Engines possibly closing the doors!!!!
#132105
10/05/08 06:42 PM
10/05/08 06:42 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,619
Norwich CT USA
Defbob
master
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master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,619
Norwich CT USA
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Quote:
what is the true cost and availability of the other blocks mentioned? also, what options do they have.
i know the world block is really just a glorified replacement block with limited options. pretty much the same for the Indy block.
 My block is currently only one of a few. and almost everything else is limited as well. I was hoping to beable to buy a KB block in the future when I build my next motor 
The KB block was so versatile
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Re: Keith Black Engines possibly closing the doors!!!!
[Re: hemi_doug]
#132106
10/05/08 06:46 PM
10/05/08 06:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,624
Orange County, Ca.
B1CUDA
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,624
Orange County, Ca.
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Quote:
Sounds to me like the Bank pulled their credit line.....
You apparently have no idea as to what you are saying. The entire Black family are very close friends of my family, and I take offense to a flatout STUPID comment by someone that is just throwing out a comment, just to do it. Not cool at all. If you knew these people on a personal level, you would NEVER say or think of anything in a negative fashion, regarding the entire KB Racing company.
For those of you that are not into making comments like the one above, KB Racing has been for sale for quite some time, in a private, word of mouth fashion. With the hit on the economy, foundry prices going sky high, etc., etc., Ken has had to make some very difficult decisions. Let me tell you, this is killing him, as he has worked very hard over the years, to carry on the great tradition and products that his legendary father created. Very, very sad.
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Re: Keith Black Engines possibly closing the doors!!!!
[Re: B1CUDA]
#132107
10/05/08 07:18 PM
10/05/08 07:18 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,037
The Grand State of Confusion-O...
SKR8PN
master
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,037
The Grand State of Confusion-O...
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I can just imagine this is hurting the entire KB family. Unless you have dealt with them, you have no idea just how customer oriented they are. The product and the customer service is second to none. Period.
I wish I had the funds to keep this business (KB) running just the way it is......I'd do it in heartbeat....and I have yet to meet ANYONE from this company face to face.
Karma has no menu. You get served what you deserve.
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Re: Keith Black Engines possibly closing the doors!!!!
[Re: B1CUDA]
#132109
10/05/08 09:58 PM
10/05/08 09:58 PM
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,179
California, USA
blairboy3
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,179
California, USA
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Quote:
Quote:
Sounds to me like the Bank pulled their credit line.....
You apparently have no idea as to what you are saying. The entire Black family are very close friends of my family, and I take offense to a flatout STUPID comment by someone that is just throwing out a comment, just to do it. Not cool at all. If you knew these people on a personal level, you would NEVER say or think of anything in a negative fashion, regarding the entire KB Racing company.
For those of you that are not into making comments like the one above, KB Racing has been for sale for quite some time, in a private, word of mouth fashion. With the hit on the economy, foundry prices going sky high, etc., etc., Ken has had to make some very difficult decisions. Let me tell you, this is killing him, as he has worked very hard over the years, to carry on the great tradition and products that his legendary father created. Very, very sad.
Take it easy there B1Cuda... I don't think there was anything bad meant by his statement.
A lot of companies have lines of credit to help them through slow seasons. And a lot of banks have been pulling those lines of credit- not because of any wrong doing on the part of the account holder, but because the banks are afraid to let anymore bad credit affect their bottom line. I had one w/ Washington Mutual. When I started hearing about the problems WM was having, I pulled all the cash out of my line of credit. Sure enough... less than a week later WM had closed ALL lines of credit. Now, it's just a 15yr fixed rate loan on what I pulled out.
Anyways, whether or not that is the case w/ KB, it was a possible reason for why they couldn't keep things going. 
1968 Plymouth Fury III 4-Door: 12.79 @ 115, 60'- 1.93 (Hey... it's a Cruise ship... what do you expect?!) Famoso Raceway, 02/08
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Re: Keith Black Engines possibly closing the doors!!!!
#132111
10/05/08 11:29 PM
10/05/08 11:29 PM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,132
Cleveland
sunroofgtx
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,132
Cleveland
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Quote:
what is the true cost and availability of the other blocks mentioned? also, what options do they have.
i know the world block is really just a glorified replacement block with limited options. pretty much the same for the Indy block.
I think Hemi's and aluminum's are done or very soon ! http://www.b1heads.com/pdf/Koffels_block.pdf
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