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Re: Keith Black Aluminum block ordering experience
[Re: go green]
#1583541
05/30/14 04:11 PM
05/30/14 04:11 PM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 503
Idaho
1320Dart
mopar
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mopar
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 503
Idaho
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 I'm absolutely frigging speechless!!! I just got off the phone with Ken Black not even five minutes ago. I put my order and money in for a new block January 20th. I was quoted 12 weeks. I haven't heard a word. So I thought I'd give him a call. He just told me that my block hasn't even left the foundry yet!!!!!!! WTF!!! I'm so pissed off right now I don't know what to do. That just TOTALLY killed any hope of me racing this year. 
Greg ----------------------------------------------------------------- Cost is irrelevant, making memories is far more valuable! 
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Re: Keith Black Aluminum block ordering experience
[Re: 1320Dart]
#1583542
05/30/14 04:20 PM
05/30/14 04:20 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,363
Las Vegas
Al_Alguire
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,363
Las Vegas
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That is unfortunate for sure.
"I am not ashamed to confess I am ignorant of what I do not know."
"It's never wrong to do the right thing"
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Re: Keith Black Aluminum block ordering experience
[Re: 1320Dart]
#1583543
05/30/14 04:30 PM
05/30/14 04:30 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,696
Bitopia
jcc
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
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If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,696
Bitopia
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I have no dog in this fight, but this whole delivery time matter doesn't add up IMO. I understand if this was new product under development, like a well respected 5spd, who only wants to deliver 100% product. But these blocks have been in the pipeline for decades. There are a lot less parts, and the owners put down 50% and they don't seem to be dirt cheap. So the initial capital should be there, the expertise should be there, if they are waiting on outside items, do they require a min number ordered before production starts, and then what is taking place, the entire shop goes on vacation, and waits, are the orders so unpredictable every season that demand always outstrips supply every year, is this a case of a talented engineering staff is in over their heads on running a business and providing customer service? I can see longer lead times on start up, and wonder what the actual production time is on one single block, and why it then takes 6 months, and no reduction is in sight. This should be fixable, if the will is there, if not, a replacement will soon be lurking on the sidelines. 
Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.
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Re: Keith Black Aluminum block ordering experience
[Re: Al_Alguire]
#1583544
05/30/14 04:58 PM
05/30/14 04:58 PM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 503
Idaho
1320Dart
mopar
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mopar
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 503
Idaho
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Quote:
That is unfortunate for sure.
Al_Alguire-
I just have to say... I love your Barracuda. I've seen it at my race track in Boise, Id.
This whole block disaster just killed me for any racing this year.
Greg ----------------------------------------------------------------- Cost is irrelevant, making memories is far more valuable!
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Re: Keith Black Aluminum block ordering experience
[Re: 1320Dart]
#1583545
05/30/14 05:24 PM
05/30/14 05:24 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,174
PA.
pittsburghracer
"Little"John
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"Little"John
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,174
PA.
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See if you can cancel your order an get and Indy block. Then you can sent it to the machine shop of your choice to have it finished and checked out. You might want to read the yellowbullet thread about Indy BEFORE you make your final decision. http://www.yellowbullet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=730714.
1970 Duster
Edelbrock headed 408
5.984@112.52
422 Indy headed small block
5.982@112.56 mph
9.42@138.27
Livin and lovin life one day at a time
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Re: Keith Black Aluminum block ordering experience
[Re: WadeMetzinger]
#1583546
05/30/14 05:29 PM
05/30/14 05:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,439
Val-haul-ass... eventually
BradH
Taking time off to work on my car
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Taking time off to work on my car
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,439
Val-haul-ass... eventually
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Quote:
... rumors that it takes 6 to 9 months to get one...
Sounds to me like those rumors have been confirmed.
Wish I had one; glad I don't need one.
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Re: Keith Black Aluminum block ordering experience
[Re: jcc]
#1583547
05/30/14 06:36 PM
05/30/14 06:36 PM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 503
Idaho
1320Dart
mopar
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mopar
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 503
Idaho
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Quote:
I have no dog in this fight, but this whole delivery time matter doesn't add up IMO. I understand if this was new product under development, like a well respected 5spd, who only wants to deliver 100% product. But these blocks have been in the pipeline for decades. There are a lot less parts, and the owners put down 50% and they don't seem to be dirt cheap. So the initial capital should be there, the expertise should be there, if they are waiting on outside items, do they require a min number ordered before production starts, and then what is taking place, the entire shop goes on vacation, and waits, are the orders so unpredictable every season that demand always outstrips supply every year, is this a case of a talented engineering staff is in over their heads on running a business and providing customer service? I can see longer lead times on start up, and wonder what the actual production time is on one single block, and why it then takes 6 months, and no reduction is in sight. This should be fixable, if the will is there, if not, a replacement will soon be lurking on the sidelines.
This whole thing makes me sick. I'm at a total loss
Greg ----------------------------------------------------------------- Cost is irrelevant, making memories is far more valuable!
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Re: Keith Black Aluminum block ordering experience
[Re: 1320Dart]
#1583548
05/30/14 07:20 PM
05/30/14 07:20 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,363
Las Vegas
Al_Alguire
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,363
Las Vegas
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There are other options out there besides Indy. Look here if you need something in a more timely manor, I think you will not be disappointed http://www.hpperformancellc.com/
"I am not ashamed to confess I am ignorant of what I do not know."
"It's never wrong to do the right thing"
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Re: Keith Black Aluminum block ordering experience
[Re: Al_Alguire]
#1583549
05/30/14 08:30 PM
05/30/14 08:30 PM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 503
Idaho
1320Dart
mopar
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mopar
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 503
Idaho
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Thank you. I'll check them out. Now to find out how to get my money from KB........ 
Greg ----------------------------------------------------------------- Cost is irrelevant, making memories is far more valuable!
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Re: Keith Black Aluminum block ordering experience
[Re: Al_Alguire]
#1583550
05/30/14 09:41 PM
05/30/14 09:41 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,189
aZLiViN
J_BODY
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,189
aZLiViN
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Quote:
There are other options out there besides Indy.
Look here if you need something in a more timely manor, I think you will not be disappointed http://www.hpperformancellc.com/
were those the guys at MaTS that you had the paperwork from?
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Re: Keith Black Aluminum block ordering experience
[Re: J_BODY]
#1583551
05/30/14 09:53 PM
05/30/14 09:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,376
dogdays
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,376
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One of the problems with being a block "manufacturer" is that they are not really manufacturers. They depend on a foundry which might be far behind or might have a job that pays more per piece and puts them farther back in line. There aren't many places to get a good casting done any more. So all the places that DO make good castings are working overtime.
HPP blocks are cast at Buddy Bar in California, I bet the KB blocks come from the same place.
As I said, there aren't a lot of places that make good castings, at least in the US. It's hot, dirty dangerous work and there is bound to be trouble with the EPA and OSHA every once in a while. Most places have folded up their tent and gone home.
20 years ago I was specing a new Diesel engine for a large pump in the Mississippi valley. We opened the bids and were very pleased to see that it was a Cummins V12. Wow, a really good engine! Installed the beast and while we were firing it up and testing it, I noticed the little tag on the side of the block. "Made in Poona, India"I did some checking and it was the same foundry issue. A large pump manufacturer whose plant I visited told me that all their pump castings came from overseas because they couldn't get quality cast iron poured in the US.
So rag on Ken Black or World or Indy all you want. It won't make things any better for you or for them. The world we live in has changed and it's surprising to many of us, me included.
The idea that forged rods, pistons and crankshafts are growing on trees, while one can't get a decent block in which to install them, has me reeling.
R.
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Re: Keith Black Aluminum block ordering experience
[Re: 1320Dart]
#1583555
06/02/14 01:02 PM
06/02/14 01:02 PM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 503
Idaho
1320Dart
mopar
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mopar
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 503
Idaho
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UPDATE: I talked to KB at 6PM mountain time on Friday(May 30th). He told me he would go to the foundry Monday morning and pick my block up personally. He said my block will be done in two weeks. How is that even possible, when the normal time is 12 weeks from the time you place your order? 
Greg ----------------------------------------------------------------- Cost is irrelevant, making memories is far more valuable!
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Re: Keith Black Aluminum block ordering experience
[Re: 1320Dart]
#1583560
06/02/14 07:15 PM
06/02/14 07:15 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,073
Tulsa, Ok
WadeMetzinger
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,073
Tulsa, Ok
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I've been saving for this block for over 10 years and I'm going to take my time ordering comparable quality internal part and putting it together so a few extra weeks isn't going to hurt me. But I under the frustration expresses from those of you that were planning to use your KB block for this season. I've had a very good experience working with Ken but like I said I'm not under the gun so the delays aren't impacting my plans for this year. He said they would be installing the sleeves in my block today so I expect it to be shipped this week. 
Wade Metzinger 918-809-0987 71 Cuda 9.28@145 -1s, Pglide 68 Cuda 10.64@124 1.45 60's 318->390 eddys Moparts discount code on WIX - moparts www.Filter1.com
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