Hi fellows,

I’ve been offered an old Keith Black 426-HEMI-block, that needs works (checking measurements, machining, boreing, honeing, new sleeves).

Which shop is the most competent on these old KB-blocks, so that they can build me a complete engine out of it?

Is it “go back to the source” and is the NEW KB-company best choice (do they still care about their old stuff?)?

Or is an independent shop the place to go, like Ray Barton, Bob Mazzolini, Marsh, Arruzza or Mancini?

Thanks for your advice!

EDIT: or Mr. „SixPak“ Karakashian or FHO ( Tim Banning).

The first name that popped into my head was Ray Barton.

There are many variations of "old Keith Black blocks". I assume you have made sure it's compatible with your application. And I agree with the earlier post, I would call Ray Barton.

There's a whole lotta old junk floating around for sale. Depending on how old it is, it could be a can of worms depending on application. I would NOT suggest dealing w/ "KB".

Thanks for your replies, Gentlemen!

Added 2 more specialists: Mr. „SixPak“ Karakashian and FHO (Tim Banning).

@block-specs: it is an early block, meaning only 4-bolt-mains, not 6-bolts, blocknumber is below #1000, has 2 windows/repairs, it is a water-block, both heads & block are aluminum, intended use is a street-car.

Call FHO

Your in Germany? Is it worth shipping an old beat up block to the U.S. and back to Germany? That must be very expensive.

No, block is in the US...otherwise you were right and it would make even less sense economically ;-)

Ray Barton