Aluminum Small Block would be AWESOME!

I would buy two today if they had them.

Exactly why many people no longer post or share info. I'm stoked that Ray and Todd have kept us updated. Please keep the info coming.

Ok
KB is owned by the above mentioned names. Ray and myself are dealers. The decision was made to send Ray the first block off the line so that he could verify all specs and parameters were being met. Ray has the equipment to verify all quality specs are being met. As a fellow dealer I completely support this process of second checking.
The new ownership has been running the show for barely 90 days and Ray has the first of many blocks that will be leaving in the next several weeks. Yes the back ordered blocks are being handled as soon as possible but every block off the line cannot go to just the back orders ONLY. I should have my first one here very soon and I like Ray am going to comb it over very carefully to insure that all quality parameters are being met. I will not sell anyone a block I do not have full faith in.
This is a Block of the highest quality and they take time. I have tried to explain to everyone here the steps being taken to get this back on track. Like most things in life worthwhile it is hard and it will take some time. I know that people with deposits in place are anxious about the situation and with good reason. A lot of these back order situations were NOT cut and dry.
There is great progress being made and Rays post only confirms that good things are happening and more are coming rather quickly. Thank you to all the people here for your positive comments and to the customers already in line, there is a light coming and it is not the train coming to run you over.
Todd

Whoever commented about me getting flak.....In a word NO. I was completely honest with Darren and Tim and they understand completely. I sell Both kinds and so does Ray. I sell 5 different brands of heads and 3 or 4 different brands of pistons. Same with many other products. I tell the customer the facts as best I know them and let the chips fall where they may. I have two Indy blocks shipping from Indy tomorrow and three from KB when they are ready. That is what the customer requested and I try not to argue with people writing me large checks. Again thank all of you for the kind words.

As far as the Small blocks go ahhhhh don't hold your breath. It could happen I guess but I spoke with Darren about it awhile back and the amount of capital it would take to do a block from scratch would be STOUT. Not sure you could ever make that financially viable anytime soon. The Gen 3 on the other hand is a different matter but IF it happens it will not be anytime soon.
TOdd

Just a observer question: why wouldn't every block off the line go to those who paid and have been waiting first before any new orders are filled?

WOW, were you born a world class a-wipe, or were years of practice responsible for your rise to the summit???

OK
Consider this an an open invitation.
I will begin collecting names and phone numbers/emails for people interested in a R3 style small block in aluminum. Today is the Starting day of April 20. I will collect data only for 6 months. NO money or deposits or any commitments other than it will be looked at. Show me the customers and I will keep track of it.I know that there is almost zero chance of the R3 coming back in iron from Mopar. SO what are the SB guys going to do? Can we sell 100 a year? 200? Most guys (not all) that run SB dodges are in the slower bracket classes. Are there 200 plus guys a year ready to pony up the scratch? Lets find out. IF you are serious, you can email or PM me here (no phone calls on this please) and I will keep an accurate count. Spread the word to any and all that are interested, I am easy to find.

As far as the order of the blocks shipping. YES the majority of blocks that are back ordered (including mine) will be shipped as soon as possible. However, if the first 40 to 50 blocks out the door were resulting in zero cash flow, no one on the planet would invest in that business.Had this gone into a Chapter filing and gone through the court system, most if not all of the people in line would have gotten jack diddly bubkis. Happens every day in this country.
The new ownership, being interested in saving this company and its storied past, said making things right with these customers was the right thing to do and would do more to generate good will and restore faith in the product. This very easily could have been buy the company, turn off the lights and liquidate all the assets. Party over, good night and another American icon and business hits the scrap heap. I personally am grateful that Darren saw fit to fetch it out of the scrap pile and return it to its former self. Just like car guys, take a rusted out piece of scrap and turn it back to it former glory. But just like restoring a car there will be snags and setbacks. Give it a chance. Making blocks is not that easy. Making great blocks is even harder.
Todd