Not everyone wants to run in the 6s. I'd like to have 170MPH horsepower in a light door car and don't believe I have to hang an extra 200~300# up front or spend 30k to do it. Just need some decent parts and about 850-900HP without worrying about running over the crank. My stuff didn't break, but it was old school and was about at the safe limit for what I was doing. Real question - if Monday morning, Maskin said "Let's build R blocks." how long would it be before someone could make a phone call and have one within a reasonable amount of time?

Bob does their motors for Aussie PS and says he won't use. Ritter block. So who's using them in APS?

Ozzy Pro Stock is using a completely different block. I think someone would have a better chance at getting Indy or KB to cast a block. Dick maskins first name says it all from what I've Been Told.. but I don't know him nor have I ever spoke to him

12 different posters on here and everyone can't even agree if they should be cast at all let alone what configuration! Surprised nobody has complained about the cost even though there hasn't been any form of pricing what so ever for said suggested blocks... Book engines start at $89,000 and go up from there, who on here is gonna shell out even half of that for one??? Book builds record setting engines in super stock, comp eliminator, and Ausie pro stock. Most of those guys have pretty much unlimited budgets, maybe not the super stock guys, but look at the upper end of super stock. $150,000+ AH Hemis and COPO Camaros, cobra Jets, and Hellcats. Record setting Comp eliminator cars are double that. Most on here would want a tall deck block which is not what Book wants as short deck motors make more power as he has proven time and time again. He would like to have blocks cast so he can continue building, developing, and selling these engines but there needs to be enough serious interest and commitment to buy to make it worthwhile to cast the blocks. I have no idea how many would need to be cast to make it worthwhile for whomever has it done, but it would be safe to say more than 12. Sure you could have a one off cast block made at a lot of foundries around the country, but the cost would be very very high. I believe Wayne county had a few done back in the 90s, cast somewhere in Ohio, but they had mopar backing to do it. There are so many different variations that guys want, it probably will never happen, if it does, where are the good race heads gonna come from? Edelbrock??? Mopar hasn't made any W9s in 15+ years...

Real question - if Monday morning, Maskin said "Let's build R blocks." how long would it be before someone could make a phone call and have one within a reasonable amount of time? [/quote]

realistically about a year.

realistically about a year. [/quote]


I would bet 3 years unless they had old molds handed to them.

If some one made a good quality 48 degree block that would go from 4" to 4.250 and was 9.350 deck that could be as short as 9" they would sale a bunch..i see people paying 3000 to 5000 for R3 blocks now.

I personally think the Ritter blocks would be a good option now. However they are so tarred by all the problems the first ones had many people will not consider them.

I have no dog in this fight, I have three R3 blocks that will take care of my needs deep unto the future.

I shared the Facebook post because I thought it would be of interest to many in the group.

We need a good reasonable 340 based block that can be used for street and race. They would sell the best. All out race block would not sell as good, my 2cents

I agree. I believe thats a much bigger field of people.

I would bet 3 years unless they had old molds handed to them. [/quote]


10-15 years ago yes ,
with todays rapid sand casting proto typing, Molds for cores could take as little as 2 weeks depending on how many core molds you need, most engine blocks are 14-18 core molds.
With 3d mapping you could take a stock 340 or R3 Block map it out create the molds...max 2 weeks to make the molds....it just takes someone with money and the willingness to take the chance.

Last year when my cousin and I shopped around our G3 block, with our molds we had quotes for delivery in as little as 9 months. at $950K-1m up front I could get 500-600 blocks over 1 year......what are the chances we could sell that many in a year?

No one has belly ached about the price because dart has a reputation of making decent stuff at a fair price.

I agreee it needs to be a copy of an R3, or even an X block with roller cam provisions, KISS. Make it sturdy and let the high dollar guys spend the money doing the fancy upgrades. You won't sell many trying to sell just to the big dollar guys, only so many people can afford $6000 blocks, if you build a $3000 block there is a whole lot bigger market.

I paid $1200.00 in 1994, for a new P5249447 R1 9.560. FYI.

not to be a smarty pants but what would that be in 2018 dollars.

About $2030.00🙃

I'LL TAKE 2 PLEASE.

For the high comp eliminator stuff it would be a very different configuration. He'd want it with around a 8.2" D/H etc.

Bob's initial posts from FB are copied and posted below:

I'm having discussions with Richard Maskin about the possibility of Dart starting to produce SBM blocks but he isn't convinced the market exists. I need all the feedback I can get to determine is it's a viable project for Dart to pursue in the future. I have my own specific needs but in order for it to be profitable he'd have to sell ALOT of blocks. Fire away......

Would anyone with serious interest in SBM blocks from Dart please E-Mail me all you contact info @ bookracing@aol.com so I can start to determine i f the market is big enough to justify their getting involved. Please include quantity and description of block/blocks that you're interested in. PLEASE FOLLOW THROUGH!! This may be our last best chance to ever have a quality foundation for the SBM!!

Mason Baxter shared a link.
Yesterday at 07:21
!!!!!!!! ATTENTION EVERYONE !!!!!!!

Send you in your request for R3 Blocks to bookracing@ aol.com

This is not a pre order list but a list to show Dart we are serious. They are considering reproducing the R3 and R4 blocks !!

I have been hearing for years guys crying about no R3 blocks. Well this our time to step up and let Dart know we are a viable brand.

Send in what you would plan to buy in the next year.

Deck height:
Lifter Angle:
Main Bearing:
Quantity:

Send it to bookracing@aol.com

Anyone whom is genuinely interested, email Bob

That’s right where I paid for my P4876671AD in 2012. It showed 2 in the system, then 1 after I ordered mine. About the time we were dynoing my present mill I tried to order the last one and it kicked it back unavailable.

Well we should be on the dyno very soon with our big port Brett Miller victors and Ritter block so stay tuned I’ll start a post when we’re up and running

Jason

Hope it works out Jason..... that is still to my knowledge the ONLY set of those heads that have been put to use in any degree.

Jay