Post or not?
 

Up until recent customers inquired about an iron 5 main block for use with their 5 main cranks, I have confined myself to aluminum 5 main blocks and regular 3 main blocks. But, since opportunity for quite a few 5 main iron blocks has presented itself, I went ahead last week and took advantage of some down time, due to an injured shoulder, and went to the foundry where we sampled the first iron 5 main block.


I was hesitant to post anything here, but I figured someone might have an interest. I had given no thought to cranks as the buyers already had them, but someone else asked if I might consider doing that also (mainly for use with aluminum blocks). I have made V8 cranks in the past and with my current foundry I can easily make a very affordable crank for these, even if the only 5 main blocks I choose to do are aluminum.



I only think about posting these pictures so those interested in 3 main blocks have a frame of reference as to what the 3 main blocks will look like from my new foundry. I may have even posted pictures of the most recent 3 main block and aluminum blocks, but the 5 main iron pictures are only on FaceBook at this point.


If anyone is interested, let me know. perhaps it would be best to do it only by email. You tell me.



Tod

Re: Post or not?
 

So post them! Just because we may not be going to buy one does not mean there is no interest in seeing the item. Esp the process that takes place to get something to market, the pitfalls and wins.

Re: Post or not?
 

OK, here you go. Since I only have 15-20 people after one of these iron blocks, the idea is to see what 3 main blocks will look like.


I even put a picture of one with an iron Thomas head in the mix.



Tod

Re: Post or not?
 

@Tod Thanks for posting, very interesting

Re: Post or not?
 

If I didn't have a block lined up.....Aluminum is looking very good...Heck I may even still just go with your block.

Mike

Re: Post or not?
 

We have Terry's blocks (5 main, cast iron with crankshaft & connecting rods) nearing production release, and Tod's block (3 main cast iron or 5 main cast aluminum ?) at some stage of completion.

We have had a lot of info from Terry on the engineering that has gone into his block, in addition to his recent assembly and test run results.

Tod, can you provide a summary of where you are in the process?

Re: Post or not?
 

I never thought I'd ever see stuff like this. It just blows my mind.

Re: Post or not?
 

I have posted quite a bit of information since I started this a while back, messing around starting in 2012, or so, while I did my normal workload. In 2014 I had a running engine. I imagine some people on here are unaware of that.



There is no process. I made one and had it running in 2 years doing it on the side. Since there was almost no interest I set it aside for the most part and focused on several cylinder head projects as I machine the normal workload. I can talk all day about details, but I prefer to just do what I do.



For the past 2-3 years I have been very busy making tooling for several customers and there is no shortage of means of income. I have made more things than I care to discuss in the last 6 years since my first engine fired up, including tooling up an airplane engine that took flight quickly. I have several antique car engine parts finished in that time also, for some people that bring older and difficult parts to me. I have an 8BA almost ready to go, but other things have demanded my time, so it sits more than I like.



Forgive me if that came across as abrupt, and frank, but there is more than enough from my keyboard, even on this forum. I will not go over it all again. I only posted these recent pictures for those interested in my 3 main blocks.




I should add that the vast majority of contact I have with people here is about new cylinder heads.



Tod

Re: Post or not?
 

I should be insulted. LOL. I know you know some of what I have been doing.


Tod

Re: Post or not?
 

Tod -
Wow. I knew about your cylinder heads. Didn't know you were also doing blocks!
Thanks for all you do for our hobby.

Re: Post or not?
 

I'm curious as to how much weight savings does the aluminum head and block give you?

Re: Post or not?
 

POST OR NOT

No, you should NOT have posted here and now. What's next? Discount coupons for your products?

Am I the only person that sees a tawdry attempt to move to the front of the line?

Richard
Anaheim CA

Re: Post or not?
 

Yes.

Re: Post or not?
 

I posted pics of aluminum elsewhere. Did you see that info?


Tod

Re: Post or not?
 

A block and head by themselves would be around 1/3 the weight of iron. A little comes back in aluminum as the blocks need to be sleeved with ductile sleeves. I would have to go weigh a sleeve to tell you exactly how much.



Tod

Re: Post or not?
 

PM me and I will set you up with more (video, machining pics, etc..) than you found out in this thread. All old news, to be sure, but you apparently have not seen it.



Tod

Re: Post or not?
 

Yeah, discounts for things, like package deals. Great idea!! Block package, plus cylinder head, intake, aluminum front cover, header, flywheel housing, and probably more things, all for one discounted price.



Thanks,


Tod

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Thanks for the updates @Tod

Re: Post or not?
 

You are welcome.


Tod

Re: Post or not?
 

OHV nearing completion. I will be making about a half dozen of these in iron next for some of the 5 main iron block customers.



Tod