Aftermarket iron 455 Buick block - Interest?

Jim, well said.

If there was a 3k iron block, i'd have one or two here. But the profit just doesn't seem viable. In theory it's great. And I bet it would be one of the most popular and run engines. Because today people want a 700 hp or more in their street strip cars.

Problem with most of us is we want to drive them to the track. And run 130 plus mph!! With a street car!!! Thats what i'm talking about!!!!! I just don't want to trailer my ride. It's fine for some but not most. imo.

James... all I can say is: If You Build It They Will Come!!!!!!

 

Wow, Jim that was outstanding! A concise summary of the situation, a realistic assessment of the market segments and a workable business model in one posting. I'm blown away.

To anyone considering building an iron block that post is solid gold. I work with business consultants and you could spend 5 figures easy and not get that kind of value.

I'd love to give that post to some of the consultants and say everything you write should be as concise and fact based as this.

I'm not in the market for a block and I'm not expressing an opinion on the aftermarket block. I just had to say that was an astonishing bit of well reasoned common sense.

John

 

If I can connect TA with the right people to produce their current block in iron or aluminum at a lower cost, it's a win for everyone involved. TAs willingness to explore the use of other foundries and machine shops to reduce the cost to its customers speaks volumes to their dedication to the Buick community.

We in the Pontiac community are lucky enough to have 4 different blocks currently available (2 iron, 2 aluminum) with 2 more on the way shortly. Just the addition of an aftermarket block has led to the production of several higher flow cylinder heads (440+ cfm) and engines making over 2 hp per ci N/A. Legitimate 9 second pump gas "street" engines are not uncommon with the parts we now have available as a result of AllPontiac producing a block.

This is a matter of getting the right people all in a room together to work out the details. Judging from the response I received from TA I think we are headed in the right direction.

ps. Yes my delivery could have been a little more tactful at times... I'm working on it :beers2:

 

Thanks John and Joe..

I have thought about this for a long time.. every time I read the sonic check on a 455, ou: ... and then later go buy a lottery ticket..

If I got lucky, I would invest in an aftermarket Iron 455 block, and it would be exactly as I described it. I would partner with TA for both development expertise and distribution support.

I would use resources like this board to promote every phase of the project, right up to maybe a live dyno session on a 800 Hp prototype.

I have no doubt it would be successful.

But that number just hasn't come up as of yet.. and I will be an old man before I have the resources to do it in a conventional manner. That's just the reality of being in the Buick Business.

It really is a testament to the absolute drive and determination to be successful selling Buick parts, as well as years of risky investments that have paid off, which allow the Tomaszewski family to do this Alum block. That's going to be a wonderful full out bells and whistles piece, but that does not mean that there is not a segment out there for the correct iron block, that would benefit everyone, including TA.

JW

 

Very well put JW.
I am basically at my blocks limit (700ish HP) and have been contemplating what to do when my block breaks.
The HD iron block would be a nice option...

 

Doug, my point exactly!!!!! An 800 hp iron would be the best seller period!!!!

Lets call it "The Iron Asphalt Annihilater"!!

I say yay.

 

More than 77% responded yes!!!!!!

 

Thank you James,

Not only did you came to us with the best of intentions; you also inspired some great information that would NOT likely have otherwise come out.

Michael Jr and Jim Weise are very reasonable, very informed Buick guys, with business sense. Wonderful comments!

Some good things may come of this post. We now have a more focused picture of what our needs are and how to fullfill them.

Sorry about the Super Duty "TEMPEST" that blew in. We should be grateful to you James.

Thanks Again, GB

 

Nice post David, and I agree 100%.

 

Oh, and great post JW. :bglasses:

 

I currently have my 70 stage2 TA equipt car running 10.0s @133.The only thing stopping me from making my car legal to run faster is the block.I just can't see making more power/money only to pray it doesn't let go.I've been running/building buicks for 30 years and would never switch brands,but you see it happening,and while the ta alum. block is truely a work of art and mike is to be commended,I think there is a much bigger market for iron,I know this has been discussed many times by many,but the buick community really needs this to happen.I think the pontiac example,and J.W.is making real sense.I think their would be more people running buick power, and growth in the community.just my oppinon!

 

Imagine blowing up your motor today, call around and try and locate a 455 core motor. They are drying up especially with steel so high.

 

you'd know who to call herb

 

I think TA will sell more parts, when more new iron blocks are sold.
That perhaps will give TA the change to do R&D on new heads (more CFM) or new alu heads etc for the Buick 350 block.

Anyway it sounds like it could be a good idea! :beers2:

 

Ghostbusters?

 

Maybe you could build a Buick 350 since it has a Y block deep skirt design....:beers2:

 

Can I throw you a real curve ball? Stop popping '49-'53 Ford
flathead blocks with four exhaust ports, room for big valves
and larger water passages.

 

I plan to buy a TA aluminum block at some point, and I would also buy a cast iron block if one was available. I'm looking at this long term, and I plan to build a bunch of engines over the next 20 years!

 

I have to say, now i'm having day dreams of a 800 hp Iron:ball:

 

matter of timing I have to say as well. I am having a motor built now and would have bought a new iron mill right now if it was available. I'm not one for waiting a long time on things ( ya might not be here tomorrow). i am happy that Eddelbrock makes heads available because when recently called TA for stage 1 heads they said none for atleast 3 months:eek2: . I guess if this one goes or another car comes up I'd by one then. The more options the better in the long run.
Thanks for the effort!

Mike