FE builder / Pro in NC?

[RodKnock]

I know nothing about the Bear Block, but I'd likely buy the Pond block over the Shelby block, even though I own the Shelby block. The Pond block is cheaper by around $1,550 ($5,695 versus $7,245), plus special longer head studs for the Shelby block, and you'll never really see the difference.

If your budget allows, then alloy all the way. It's a big budget jump from building a 390/427/428 out to an alloy engine though.

[willtwallace]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I know nothing about the Bear Block, but I'd likely buy the Pond block over the Shelby block, even though I own the Shelby block. ..........

My budget would agree with your assessment. The only way ill see a Shelby block is at a car show or it falls off a truck.

Bear seems to be the new kids on the block (see what I did there) they are ~4 - 5 years old. Haven't found any bad press on any forums. That's typically a good indicator, because if there was at least one flaw, the internet will blow it out of proportion or at the very least highlight it.

So far the only negative press comes in the form of skepticism from the old school guys who say they haven't been around long enough. May be good may be bad....every company started at some point.

Their blocks are cast outside the US (Like Shelby most likely soon will be)

[Bernica]

Their website states that they are located in Chatsworth, CA. But it does say their products are "designed and engineered in the USA" and doesn't exactly say where the foundry is located. I guess I had assumed it was all in Chatsworth, but sounds like you learned something else. Nice foundry though, wherever it is...

[blykins]

BBM blocks are cast/machined in South Korea by the Hyundai foundry if I recall correctly.

Good parts.

[fordracing65]

Have you seen the new Hyundai with the FE engine block. 😃😎

[blykins]

All of Doug's castings are top notch, both the heads and the blocks. I'd rather have cast iron any day.....but that's just me.

And yes, I'll take a new Sonata with a 511 please.

[RodKnock]

How much are the BBM blocks?

[Bernica]

Nice looking block. No siamese cylinders and no double cross-bolt mains like the Shelby block, but does that even matter? I may be way off base...

[blykins]

$3600-3700 I think.

Don't need double cross-bolted mains.....Pond's blocks are taking way over 1000 hp with just the standard setup.

And yes, the cylinders are siamese. You can go to a 4.440" bore size.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by willtwallace

My budget would agree with your assessment. The only way ill see a Shelby block is at a car show or it falls off a truck.

Bear seems to be the new kids on the block (see what I did there) they are ~4 - 5 years old. Haven't found any bad press on any forums. That's typically a good indicator, because if there was at least one flaw, the internet will blow it out of proportion or at the very least highlight it.

So far the only negative press comes in the form of skepticism from the old school guys who say they haven't been around long enough. May be good may be bad....every company started at some point.

Their blocks are cast outside the US (Like Shelby most likely soon will be)

Denbeste has 2 CSX blocks available!

Shelby Aluminum 427 FE Bare Block | eBay

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by blykins

And yes, the cylinders are siamese. You can go to a 4.440" bore size.

Sorry, my bad. Was trying to look at the pics on my phone and thought it was a finished block. Now I see where the block is at in the pics.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by blykins

$3600-3700 I think.

If I was in the market for a new BUDGET FE engine, then, assuming there's no negative news about BBM blocks, I'd order one.

$3,700 for a brand new alloy (or iron for that matter) FE block? That's cheap! I'd get my name on the waiting list. $2,000 cheaper than a Pond? Am I missing something? Can the BBM be bored out to the same ci as the Pond and Shelby blocks?

In terms of accuracy to the original sideoiler, how do they (BBM) compare to the Pond sideoiler?

[blykins]

Pond's cast iron blocks will go 4.400". His aluminum blocks won't go quite that far. Not sure on the Shelby blocks....never used one.

It terms of accuracy, the BBM block actually *looks* more original externally. It has the plugs for the bypass in the rear of the block (they are not functional) and also the little pipe plug on the bottom rail of the block, per the original side oiler. Pond's block has a -6 o-ring AN fitting for the rear, which is the main "side oiler" feed.

The BBM blocks already have blended in main bearing oil feeds to better match the bearing holes and a few other tweaks, such as tapped deck oil feed holes, to help the builder out.

[willtwallace]

Originally Posted by blykins

BBM blocks are cast/machined in South Korea by the Hyundai foundry if I recall correctly.....[/IMG]

Yes, when I spoke with them over the phone they said SK was in fact the location.

Originally Posted by RodKnock

If I was in the market for a new BUDGET FE engine, then, assuming there's no negative news about BBM blocks, I'd order one.

$3,700 for a brand new alloy (or iron for that matter) FE block? That's cheap! I'd get my name on the waiting list. .......

two steps ahead, name already on the list.

But the price margin is a little closer to a Pond, only because the Pond blocks are the same price for Fe or Al, whereas BBM has two separate prices for Fe and Al

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

$3,700 for a brand new alloy (or iron for that matter) FE block? That's cheap! I'd get my name on the waiting list. $2,000 cheaper than a Pond? Am I missing something? Can the BBM be bored out to the same ci as the Pond and Shelby blocks?

I agree. That's a hell of a deal unless we are missing something. But it sounds like Brent likes them so far. Sure would like to hear from someone that has been running one for a while. Shoot, you could buy two of them for what the Shelby blocks are going for!!

[willtwallace]

Originally Posted by Bernica

"designed and engineered in the USA"..

Being American made is not a show stopper for me, for one, there are not many products that are 100% American made. Globalization has pretty much washed that concept away. Typically, like the statement above, its a play on words. I used to get all caught up with that, then after a little research I sobered up.

Designed....could be plans, conception, drawings, etc
Engineered...could mean anything from finished, completed, milled, adjusted, etc...

Same argument with Swiss made and Swiss assembled.

[willtwallace]

Originally Posted by Bernica

Shoot, you could buy two of them for what the Shelby blocks are going for!!

uhhh, yea.

One great benefit to globalization is it shines a light on companies that charge a premium for no reason other than THEY CAN.

And as capitalist, WE Love it! We love paying the highest possible price, we even brag about paying the most!

okay, stepping off my soap box.....

[RodKnock]

There was a time when Kirkham was developing a billet aluminum block, but I/we haven't heard much about it in a few years. They got busy building the Coupe and Cobras for Shelby.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

There was a time when Kirkham was developing a billet aluminum block, but I/we haven't heard much about it in a few years. They got busy building the Coupe and Cobras for Shelby.

Yes, the whole thing is on YouTube as part of the Kirkham University series I believe. One big solid block of billet to start with and quite amazing. Haven't heard much about its development since then either..

[fordracing65]

Every engine builder prefers an iron block. Most customers have to have an aluminum block.