Moparts
Keith Black Block?
Posted By: 604 Hemi GTX
Keith Black Block? - 11/07/12 12:10 AM
I'm in the process of collecting the parts for my 604ci Hemi. I'm planning on buying a KBRE aluminum block but not sure which block and what options i should get. I know the street hemi block won't work because i need the raised cam, so is it the stage 8 block i need is there anything else i should get done right now. Things after you got yours, you said i should of got this done.
Thanks for any and all info
Kevin
Just call Ken Black.. (562) 869-1518
Go straight to the source...
Chris...
Posted By: coronetville
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/07/12 12:39 AM
Posted By: EchoSixMike
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/07/12 02:02 AM
Or you can email him. Excellent customer response. If I hadn't had a megablock already, I'd have bought a KB. I might still do it, depending on how the economics turn out soon. S/F.....Ken M
Posted By: 604 Hemi GTX
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/07/12 02:30 AM
Thanks for the replies...I just thought i would ask about the extras that people thought of after they got there blocks.
Kevin
Posted By: Bigcube
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/07/12 02:40 AM
Make sure you have it drilled for pushrod oiling. It's the only extra cost item I got and happy I did.
Posted By: go green
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/07/12 02:55 AM
Then wait until April to get it if you are lucky .Good block ,they just take forever to ship .
Quote:
Make sure you have it drilled for pushrod oiling. It's the only extra cost item I got and happy I did.
I didn't have mine done and ended up having it done later. Like Al said talk to Ken and he will go down the order sheet with you. Be prepared to tell him what head you are going to use as the studs come with the block, bore size, deck height, aluminum or steel main caps, o-ring or not, deck finish, and many more. Its also nice to order at least one spare rear main seal. When you get it you are going to join the list of very happy customers.
Posted By: 604 Hemi GTX
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/07/12 04:22 AM
I just got a reply about time frame and he said 12 weeks. I was thinking around 12 from what everyone was saying, going to order the block at the end of nov when i come home from work.
Kevin
Posted By: cudaman1969
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/07/12 07:09 PM
How much $ we talking here if you don't mind me asking.
Posted By: KB RACING ENG
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/07/12 07:22 PM
Kevin, The KB Street HEMI block is what we would recommend as you can order this with a raised cam location. If you send me an E-mail I will send you the order form that shows all the block options that are available along with a list of some of the more popular HEMI products that we manufacture. Send your E-mail to:
kbracing@verizon.net. Thank you for considering our products for your engine build.
Posted By: KB RACING ENG
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/07/12 07:29 PM
Cudaman, The KB Street HEMI Blocks start at $5,550. If you send me an E-mail I will send you some information.
kbracing@verizon.net. Thank you for asking.
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Cudaman, The KB Street HEMI Blocks start at $5,550. If you send me an E-mail I will send you some information. [Email]kbracing@verizon.net.[/Email] Thank you for asking.
Ken, any new word on what we have on order?
Posted By: an8sec70cuda
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/07/12 07:52 PM
For what it's worth, I did not have mine drilled for lifter oil galleys (after talking w/ Ken) and it's been flawless for the 6 years I've been running it. I run a solid roller, but it's not real aggressive. I have it apart for freshening right now and everything looks great.
Posted By: KB RACING ENG
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/07/12 08:47 PM
Performance Only, Your block is getting close, see attachments. Should be ready to ship in about 2 weeks or less. Main studs and Caps will be installed today to get the block ready for the 4th op on the CNC machine, main line and cam line final machining. There are a couple that are just ahead of yours going through the same process. Sleeves are in process to be installed after the 4th op and then semi finished as per your order form. If you would like more of a detailed up-date please give me a call and I will go over it with you.
Posted By: KB RACING ENG
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/07/12 08:50 PM
One more.
Quote:
Performance Only, Your block is getting close, see attachments. Should be ready to ship in about 2 weeks or less. Main studs and Caps will be installed today to get the block ready for the 4th op on the CNC machine, main line and cam line final machining. There are a couple that are just ahead of yours going through the same process. Sleeves are in process to be installed after the 4th op and then semi finished as per your order form. If you would like more of a detailed up-date please give me a call and I will go over it with you.
I wish I had a big blow-up picture of that to hang on my living room wall with all the race car pictures. No home interior crap hanging on our walls
Posted By: Hemi SS
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/07/12 09:56 PM
What is the weight difference from the Mega block?
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I wish I had a big blow-up picture of that to hang on my living room wall with all the race car pictures. No home interior crap hanging on our walls
i think i'll take down my tv and put a big print of that block up. stunning.
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I wish I had a big blow-up picture of that to hang on my living room wall with all the race car pictures. No home interior crap hanging on our walls
i think i'll take down my tv and put a big print of that block up. stunning.
That's ARTWORK... 
Chris.. 
Thank God Keith Black Racing made it thru some lean years. I hope all is going well.
Posted By: 1969gtx
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/08/12 01:05 AM
Posted By: poisondart2
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/08/12 02:57 AM
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Quote:
I wish I had a big blow-up picture of that to hang on my living room wall with all the race car pictures. No home interior crap hanging on our walls
i think i'll take down my tv and put a big print of that block up. stunning.
WOW that does look nice and the best thing about it.. It's going in my Dart with one of those Procharger things. 
Thank you Ken Black
Thanks to Performance Only (Dan) for putting up with me!
Posted By: sunroofgtx
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/08/12 03:24 AM
Ken, definitely on my list for the new Racecar. Nicknaming it Willie, for our great friend Big Willie. Is it possible to have your small-cube water block with dual spark plug heads? Whose heads? Twin Turbo app. Keep up the great work.
Posted By: jamesc
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/08/12 04:00 AM
Ken (or Dan) maybe a stupid question but what's with the water pump holes? is this using a different cooling flow pattern?
Posted By: bigtimeauto
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/08/12 04:28 AM
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Ken (or Dan) maybe a stupid question but what's with the water pump holes? is this using a different cooling flow pattern?
Bottom holes are casted top holes are drilled
Ken, Thanks for the update, with pictures no less.
I'll give you a call next week.
None of the aluminum blocks on the market are inexpensive, but when you consider the options available with these blocks and the customer service that stands behind the product, I still firmly believe they are the only real choice for anyone that wants to make some serious horsepower.
Over the years i think i've had my hands on just about every name brand RB and Hemi block available and the KB block puts everything else to shame.
Posted By: sunroofgtx
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/08/12 04:39 AM
Quote:
Ken, Thanks for the update, with pictures no less. I'll give you a call next week.
None of the aluminum blocks on the market are inexpensive, but when you consider the options available with these blocks and the customer service that stands behind the product, I still firmly believe they are the only real choice for anyone that wants to make some serious horsepower.
Over the years i think i've had my hands on just about every name brand RB and Hemi block available and the KB block puts everything else to shame.
Great to know, Dan. What dual plug heads will work, or will it be a custom? (Hope not)
Posted By: jamesc
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/08/12 04:39 AM
that's what i was thinking, there was a machine operation left being that block isn't finished but wasn't sure and was too lazy to run out back and look to see what mine looked like..sides it's cold, wet and nasty out
Posted By: jamesc
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/08/12 04:41 AM
Quote:
Over the years i think i've had my hands on just about every name brand RB and Hemi block available and the KB block puts everything else to shame.
well i won't be making big HP but at least i feel i made the right choice
Quote:
Ken, Thanks for the update, with pictures no less. I'll give you a call next week.
None of the aluminum blocks on the market are inexpensive, but when you consider the options available with these blocks and the customer service that stands behind the product, I still firmly believe they are the only real choice for anyone that wants to make some serious horsepower.
Over the years i think i've had my hands on just about every name brand RB and Hemi block available and the KB block puts everything else to shame.
100%
Posted By: Challenger 1
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/08/12 02:15 PM
Quote:
Ken, Thanks for the update, with pictures no less. I'll give you a call next week.
None of the aluminum blocks on the market are inexpensive, but when you consider the options available with these blocks and the customer service that stands behind the product, I still firmly believe they are the only real choice for anyone that wants to make some serious horsepower.
I have 2 KB cast blocks and have run just as fast as a billet block, but what about the BAE billet block?
They are quite a eyeful to look at.
Posted By: Tig
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/08/12 03:42 PM
Quote:
I'm in the process of collecting the parts for my 604ci Hemi. I'm planning on buying a KBRE aluminum block but not sure which block and what options i should get. I know the street hemi block won't work because i need the raised cam, so is it the stage 8 block i need is there anything else i should get done right now. Things after you got yours, you said i should of got this done.
Thanks for any and all info
Kevin
I'm not sure you need the raised cam block for a Hemi with a 4.50 bore and a 4.75 stroke, 2.20 journal crank.
On a wedge if you want to run any sort of decent lift you need a raised cam block. Are you using a 55mm cam and alloy rods? Do you want to go bigger in the future?
Quote:
Quote:
I'm in the process of collecting the parts for my 604ci Hemi. I'm planning on buying a KBRE aluminum block but not sure which block and what options i should get. I know the street hemi block won't work because i need the raised cam, so is it the stage 8 block i need is there anything else i should get done right now. Things after you got yours, you said i should of got this done.
Thanks for any and all info
Kevin
I'm not sure you need the raised cam block for a Hemi with a 4.50 bore and a 4.75 stroke, 2.20 journal crank.
On a wedge if you want to run any sort of decent lift you need a raised cam block. Are you using a 55mm cam and alloy rods? Do you want to go bigger in the future?
I would highly recommend a raised cam block when using a 4.75 stroke crank and 54 MM cam. Rod to cam clearance can be a real and annoying issue if your planning on aluminum rods that are somewhat beefy, even if they're clearanced on the cam side. I've had to re-profile rods for clearance on those combos because most times we run a pretty beefy rod like a GRP pro-mod style. I won't say you can't do it without the raised cam, but why go through all the headaches? just put the raised cam and a gear drive on it and don't sweat the small stuff.
Posted By: Tig
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/08/12 06:34 PM
Consensus is you can with steel rods and stock cam tunnel position and diameter.
Good point though, you may as well tick the box for raised cam if you're starting from scratch.
Posted By: KB RACING ENG
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/09/12 12:53 AM
Challenger 1, Nothing against the BAE Billet (Forged) blocks but we prefer the KB Forged Blocks. We think they look pretty nice and they're 30% stronger than the other Billet (Forged) blocks on the market. Different alloy.
Posted By: mopar_mark
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/09/12 01:07 AM
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Challenger 1, Nothing against the BAE Billet (Forged) blocks but we prefer the KB Forged Blocks. We think they look pretty nice and they're 30% stronger than the other Billet (Forged) blocks on the market. Different alloy.
Hubba , Hubba, that looks a true thing of beauty . . .
I must not look any longer, I must not look any longer
Posted By: Challenger 1
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/09/12 01:12 AM
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Challenger 1, Nothing against the BAE Billet (Forged) blocks but we prefer the KB Forged Blocks. We think they look pretty nice and they're 30% stronger than the other Billet (Forged) blocks on the market. Different alloy.
Sweet!!
Posted By: MattW
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/09/12 01:43 AM
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Challenger 1, Nothing against the BAE Billet (Forged) blocks but we prefer the KB Forged Blocks. We think they look pretty nice and they're 30% stronger than the other Billet (Forged) blocks on the market. Different alloy.
Have you ever thought about casting a G3 hemi block? 
Sorry for the hijack. Matt
Posted By: rickraw
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/09/12 02:04 AM
looks too nice to use. now after seeing it, i want one.
Posted By: Defbob
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/09/12 02:02 PM
Quote:
Challenger 1, Nothing against the BAE Billet (Forged) blocks but we prefer the KB Forged Blocks. We think they look pretty nice and they're 30% stronger than the other Billet (Forged) blocks on the market. Different alloy.
You guys did make it!! 
I had heard years ago that plans to make the forged block were dropped.
Posted By: Defbob
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/09/12 02:04 PM
Quote:
Challenger 1, Nothing against the BAE Billet (Forged) blocks but we prefer the KB Forged Blocks. We think they look pretty nice and they're 30% stronger than the other Billet (Forged) blocks on the market. Different alloy.
Why are there no additional supports on the front cam bearing?
Posted By: KB RACING ENG
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/14/12 07:44 PM
It is a little hard to see in the photo but the front cam bearing area is almost a complete solid tube and doesn't need any additional support. I will try to get some time to take a better photo angle of this that I will post later. As of today no one has reported any problems with the #1 cam bore with our KB Stg16 Forged blocks.
Posted By: 604 Hemi GTX
Re: Keith Black Block? - 11/30/12 11:06 PM
Well....I spoke with Ken today and put my order in for a street hemi block with all the options I wanted and the ones you guys recommended. Ken is a super nice guy to talk with. Thanks Ken and everyone that replied to this thread. Now the wait begins...
Kevin
GREAT company, great tradition, great service. Congratulations on buying the BEST block on the planet.
Posted By: 604 Hemi GTX
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/01/12 06:12 AM
Thanks pittsburghracer now i just have to figure out cylinder heads and a few other key pieces.
Kevin
Quote:
Thanks pittsburghracer now i just have to figure out cylinder heads and a few other key pieces.
Kevin
When I put my 572 together I had Dram (Performance only) get me a Callias crank. He tried to talk me into buying the Chevy rod size crank but I had a real nice set of mopar sized Crower rods I was planning on using so I didn't listen. I had Tom Hemphile cut my Wisco pistons so I could build the shortblock and use either my 440-1 Indy heads or my B1's. When I put the shortblock together the older style rod bolts hit the camshaft. I called Dram back and ordered a set of upgraded K1's, rebalanced the assembly again and all is well. I put the 440-1's on it and ran some 8.40's with a bad (new) Barry Grant fuel pump and wrecked the car. When it comes back out the B1's will be on it this time. Good-luck with your build and we like lots of info and pictures of your progress.
Posted By: Defbob
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/01/12 07:59 PM
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It is a little hard to see in the photo but the front cam bearing area is almost a complete solid tube and doesn't need any additional support. I will try to get some time to take a better photo angle of this that I will post later. As of today no one has reported any problems with the #1 cam bore with our KB Stg16 Forged blocks.
Are the sleeves in the forged block capable of handling a 4.500" bore or would it need to be special ordered to use your cast block's large bore sleeves?
Posted By: KB RACING ENG
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/07/12 12:32 AM
Thanks for all of the nice compliments everybody and for putting your trust in our products. We will keep working to maintain your confidence in us.
And Thank You for the order Kevin. The foundry is still keeping to their word for two per week so delivery times should start to get better very soon.
As far as the KB Forged blocks go we make each one to the customer's specifications so the 4.500 bore sleeves would not be a problem or an extra charge.
Posted By: BIG BEAR
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/07/12 03:34 AM
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Thanks for all of the nice compliments everybody and for putting your trust in our products. We will keep working to maintain your confidence in us.
And Thank You for the order Kevin. The foundry is still keeping to their word for two per week so delivery times should start to get better very soon.
As far as the KB Forged blocks go we make each one to the customer's specifications so the 4.500 bore sleeves would not be a problem or an extra charge.
Although our contact has been limited to the few times here on Moparts I would like to add that the way you guys conduct your business as well as the quality parts you guys put out there is something we truely respect and admire. Anyone who knows about aftermarket Mopar big blocks knows that Kieth Black was the company that paved the way. It still gives me goosebumps when we get the previlage to hear our name in the same sentance as yours. Being a small family owned business ourselves (not to mention engine manufacturer) we know the many hardships we are up against and its not getting any easier over time. But for what its worth you guys are truely good people and if I didn't make my own blocks I'd buy one of yours.
Steve Koleno
Koleno Performance
Posted By: KB RACING ENG
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/07/12 04:21 AM
Thanks Steve your comments are truly appreciated and much respected as you have placed your name right alongside of other manufactures that really care about their product and the customers they sell to. As you mentioned it's not always easy but we just have to keep the faith and keep on fighting.
And the fact that you make your own blocks, that's OK, I won't hold that against you. Just let me know when and I'll send an order form over to you for one of our Aluminum KB blocks. Sorry I couldn't help myself.
Best regards,
Ken Black
Keith Black Racing Engines
Posted By: BIG BEAR
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/09/12 04:15 AM
I figured I set myself up for that one...
Sorry Ken, we make the aluminum ones too... as you probably aready know they are way way easier to make.
Even all of that said I still think your stuff is pretty sweet
Posted By: go green
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/09/12 06:49 AM
If I order a block today ,,, what is your ship date. My last go around with KB was a 6 month wait . (they promised 4-6 week delivery )
Posted By: KB RACING ENG
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/09/12 09:49 AM
Current lead time is 10 - 12 weeks as the foundry has picked up delivery of our castings. If they keep up the pace delivery times will get shorter.
Posted By: KB RACING ENG
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/09/12 10:00 AM
Thanks again Steve. Keep up the good work.
Posted By: Plumb Wired
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/09/12 02:21 PM
Hat's off To Ken Black and KBRE for excellent customer service. On 11/21/12 (the day before Thanksgiving) I went to look at what was supposed to be a 605" KB B1-MC engine. After my visit to look at the engine I emailed KBRE with some numbers I found on the block and Ken responded within a few hours with more info on where to look for additional numbers to properly ID the block. We exchanged three emails over the next couple of days and I made the purchase. Even though I had never bought anything from KBRE Ken took the time to help me and that means a lot! Thanks Ken & KBRE!
Mike Gray
Posted By: KB RACING ENG
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/10/12 09:25 PM
Thanks Mike. We try to help where we are able. In the long run we feel that it all comes back around eventually one way or another. Glad we were able to supply you with some helpful information.
Posted By: d7cook
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/11/12 07:58 PM
I'm going to piggyback on this thread and ask a related question instead of opening a new thread if y'all don't mind.
I'm getting ready to order a block. It looks like most sleeves can go 4.500 to 4.530 max. How small a bore can a 4.500 max sleeve come with? Can I get a 4.44 bore, then go 4.470 then go 4.500? Does it make sense to do this?
For what they cost I'd like to get as much life as I can before I have to buy 8 more sleeves.
Quote:
I'm going to piggyback on this thread and ask a related question instead of opening a new thread if y'all don't mind.
I'm getting ready to order a block. It looks like most sleeves can go 4.500 to 4.530 max. How small a bore can a 4.500 max sleeve come with? Can I get a 4.44 bore, then go 4.470 then go 4.500? Does it make sense to do this?
I'm not sure on that one. I'd give Ken a call and ask him.
On most of combo's we do we start at 4.500, then if need be you can go 4.505, 4.510, 4.530, 4.535, etc. up to 4.560
it's all about the application and ring sets available.
For what they cost I'd like to get as much life as I can before I have to buy 8 more sleeves.
Posted By: 23T Hemmee
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/12/12 01:44 AM
The KB's have two different sleeve OD's. The standard is 4.620" and the oversize is 4.700". You need to order the oversize to get .100" wall thickness at 4.500". As far as a starting point for ID, I think you can specify when you order the block.
Posted By: KB RACING ENG
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/12/12 09:24 PM
d7 Cook, You can get the I.D. on our sleeves @ 4.187 or even smaller if you want. We make most of the sleeves from semi blanks anymore because of all the different blocks we manufacture. Also different stroke and rod combinations require different clearances on the bottom etc...etc...We don't charge extra for this on a new block but keep in mind that a 4.700 O.D. sleeve and a small I.D. will add a few pounds to the block weight if this is a concern for your application. As stated on here we like to have a min .100 wall for blown and hi output turbo and or nitrous engines. We know that we have customers that have gone to +.060 (4.560) and have not had any issues. It all depends upon your cylinder pressure. If you have any other questions either send me a PM or give me a call 562-869-1518. Ken Black
Posted By: 23T Hemmee
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/12/12 10:16 PM
Hey Ken,
Hope I didn't overstep by answering for you, would like to say on a side note, I had to order a replacement sleeve a couple of years ago, you asked for all of the pertinent info, ID" OD", stroker clearance, ring type for honing, I got the sleeve, took a few measurements, everything was perfect right down to where the stroker clearancing matched the original block clearancing after I knocked it in. You guys are the "BEST."
Posted By: KB RACING ENG
Re: Keith Black Block? - 12/13/12 12:35 AM
Hey Ronny, No overstep at all. You told it like it is, "just specify the sleeve size when the block order is placed". I just added a little more detail as the process has changed a bit over the last several years. Thanks for the post.