Iron or Aluminum?

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Thanks for your input Andy, $3,500 for a AL mopar big block is an awesome price no doubt about it.
One thing about the $1,500 iron block that I could never seem to understand(although priced nicely)is the fact that some people would have more invested in their crankshaft.
A $1,500 crank + a $1,500 block =

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To much markup in the cranks? Since this is a recession, maybe the prices need to come down, and business will pick up nicely in volume...

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Thanks for your input Andy, $3,500 for a AL mopar big block is an awesome price no doubt about it.
One thing about the $1,500 iron block that I could never seem to understand(although priced nicely)is the fact that some people would have more invested in their crankshaft.
A $1,500 crank + a $1,500 block =

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the buyer for $1500 blocks will be buying $599 dollar cranks and $369 rods .

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an unskirted block ala chevy with splayed main bolts would offer better oil control in the pan area

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why not just use a chevy block, fill in the head bold holes and drill and tap new ones, and use a mopar head?

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cheap, iron, unskirted(less iron and lighter), dowled 2-bolt main (9/16" stud), low-deck big-block, 4.56" bore (cast them larger), even with a GM bellhousing. Simplify the casting e.g. no fuel pump boss, or internal oil pick-up, etc... cheap

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Im speaking as a manufacturer, I'll make what will sell, but I dont think that there is enough money to justify the cause, or could I be wrong?

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Just make an aluminum big block dodge for 1500 bucks and I guarantee you'll be laughing all the way to the bank $$ $$ $$

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what do you think about a 4.84 bs block, would people be after it?

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IMO you already market a HIGH-END block with good quality. How is that one selling for you? Even the B1/PSO and Predator heads are currently built around a 4.8" B/S. A larger B/S block is still a smaller market IMO and this is not the time (economically speaking) to build it assuming others will manufacter/engineer parts compatible. It's been nice chatting but, I gotta go...

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what do you think about a 4.84 bs block, would people be after it?

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Big Bear, if you're looking for business advice then I'd have to say that you need to make a choice, low end or high end. You aren't going to sell very many blocks with raised cams, 4.84 bore space, wide oil pan rails, etc so if you go that way then the price needs to go way up.

If you want to move a bunch of blocks then you most likely need to get the price down to the $2000 range so you can compete against the stock block option. Volume is your friend, best bet is to hook up with some engine builders who are selling crate engines so you have a steady customer base. Make a deal with Mancini or Hughes or someone like that to move blocks for you.

If you already have the tooling on hand and you have the equipment necessary to make the blocks then you're most of the way there. Why not talk to Brandon about supplying him with blocks? If you already have the tooling in place then that would save him a huge investment. He has a good distribution system already in place so go ahead and leverage it.

Are you tooled up to produce a low deck cast iron block? Nobody is making those at the moment so that might be your niche to own. World doesn't seem to have any plans to do a low deck and Indy is only focused on aluminum blocks. I'm sure there is a good sized market out there for a HD low deck, especially if the price is right and the block has some good features. Chevy bellhousing bolt pattern, bushed lifter bores, etc.

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100%

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no prob $500,000 please!
although would it need a water jacket?

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Yes it would need a water jacket,Im pretty sure the pro-stock heads need lots of water.But think about it how many stock style blocks do we need on the market? Lets take it to the next level.

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no prob $500,000 please!
although would it need a water jacket?

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Yes it would need a water jacket,Im pretty sure the pro-stock heads need lots of water.But think about it how many stock style blocks do we need on the market? Lets take it to the next level.

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Hmmm since it is the CNC machine doing most the work with a billet block im sure there is a way to get the price down to 5000-7000$ all done ready to go.

Different bolt patterns, BS'ings, Cam hieght, and all the pretty stuf are just at a computer program.

Just an idea. But there would be no water, but for the guys running the bigger BS's are we really wanting water in the block?

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I know I would pay 5000.00 - 7000.00 for that block,as far as the water in the block, maybe just water in the heads would be ok

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so would you say that the market for the stock deck hight block is just not there(no matter what manufacturer)?

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I'm lost on this , you do realize mopar made 2 deck height blocks ??? 10.725 raised deck , which is what the aftermarket mostly caters to , and the 9.980 low deck which you can get , but only in alum $$$ .

Make an affordable low deck in iron and you will sell them . The B1 setup is based on a low deck block , you have to run intake spacers to put them on an RB block ...

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Maybe to the stock type builds. But to people who like 4.5 stroke cranks, and 4.5 inch bores, with plenty long rods (above 7") its not doable, well not "as" easy with a low deck block.

I would say that most people buying a aluminum block and racing are wanting large bores and large strokes. Cause generally speaking it doesn't add much if any to the build costs now days.
IMO
Not very many people want to give $4K for a cast iron block, that has to hurt sales. When you can pick up a phone and order a Indy Block maxx block with Low deck option for just a few more hundred dollars more.
Or buy a cast iron World block for $1500 less..Just my opinion, and this is exactly what I did in both cases.

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Once again we are starting a HP game once again and the block will need all the special add ons that were mentioned in the RB style block from before.

For the people who want to make the big hp numbers will probably have the $$$ to pay 4-5-6000 for a REALLY good block with all the bells and whistles.

Lots of guys buying blocks went with a KB block over indy just because of the quality and design was there even though they were paying more

I think any block with the option of different Bore spacings is something that everybody would like

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Isn't that what it this is all about? HP..

If you want average hp, just use a stock block..
If you are going aftermarket block, then you want it to be upgradeable, hp wise..right??

There are MANY tall deck options for aftermarket blocks.
The only low deck option for aftermarket block is Indy Aluminum.. Since KB is out of business.
If you want to sell product, go where there will be the most demand, and least competition..


Chris..

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Thats exactly right guys, its all about cost vs hp
I cant see anyone selling a mopar block cheaper than mopar

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an unskirted block ala chevy with splayed main bolts would offer better oil control in the pan area

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Aluminum and CG PPPLLLEEEAASE

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Everyone is saying the price for regular grey iron blocks is to much, they most certainly wont go for the much more expensive compacted graphite.I wonder how those are selling