Tomahawk Dragster

By now you're asking "what happened to the block TA delivered last Thanksgiving. Well we're working on it. Kenny Betts of Kenne-Bell fame has teamed up with John Everett (JESUPERCAT) with the "Nail Head" blown fuel dragster to put the Tomahawk motor in his car. Rather than finish up the door slammer, it will be more advantageous to put it in a car already certified to go 6.0. I know what you're thinking so save the comments for real questions. My goal is to make every specialty part available through TA Performance so the next generation will have a head start. If you look at the block some of you might have noticed the freeze plugs are missing. We chose to go with a solid block for strength. By the way Mike at TA still has a few with the water jackets for street or all out strip use. Don't wait till he's out and have to wait for the next run. When you rely on outside suppliers the 2 week window is always 6+ weeks. Don't we all know it. We will keep you posted of progress. Thanks as always, kenny betts

 

Well you sure don't have to worry about the freeze plugs falling out now :TU:

 

NO I don't, and think about the $ I'll save not having to buy them or the specialty tool and labor to install them. lol

 

How much does one of these blocks cost? and how about one with water jackets?

 

will this engine be supercharged and injected on alcohol?

 

Yes, It will be blown, We have a 6:71 and a Pro charger F3R-139, Sorry no alcohol, We are using NITRO-METHANE

 

Well actually we will use some methanol for the warm up and a little to dilute the nitro:laugh: .

 

Oooooooooo! :shock: This is going to be something to see.

 

Yep that's right for start-up but alcohol sounds like a sewing machine compared to nitro!

 

how long before lift off ? lol

 

Here is a shot of the timing assembly

 

We're shooting for.... I mean we're blasting off in late fallray: Well maybe not blast off or lift off but how about rocket down the strip!

 

does TA have a timing cover for the new block ?

 

A stock cover is suppose to bolt right on. Last I heard Mike was working on one for raised cam motors with distributors. Eventually for full race like what we are doing we will get Mike the specs. to make one for all who wants one. Maybe JESUPERCAT can post a picture of our cover. We will also be using a mag.

 

Here are few shots of the timing cover. The raised cam design meant a backing plate had to be made for the cover to mount to. For this application a gear drive was used for durability. The mag, fuel pump and oil pumps will be driven off the cam.

 

Very cool guys, its really awesome to start to see some of the cool projects that are coming together. Keep the pictures coming as you progress!

 

To top this off you are going to need some good heads. Is TA working on new design good flowing heads for the Tomahawk block? Mike D.

 

Mike Ken was working on head ideas long before he even had a block.:Brow:

We are using heads with no water jackets to help increase the flow potential.
The heads are waiting for the final machining to be done and then they will go off to have some fine tuning done in the ports. The rocker arm design is done also. We were discussing the Valve cover design last night:TU: .
I am sure as we move forward Ken will list some of the more specific parts and numbers.
We strongly believe that it is in everyone's best interest to push this block to the spot light so to speak. For TA to exceed with this block and parts for it there must be interest in it. Our goal is to get a Buick powered car into Nostalgia Top Fuel. We were told it is not possible, due to the fact the Buick doesn't have the power to be competitive in the class. We look at this as encouragement towards our goal:laugh:

 

You know, I always wondered what a set of the original "tunnel port" heads could do on top of a block that could handle it . . .

I'm sure any heads designed and made now would have a huge advantage over the old technology though.

When that thing gets together, I expect to see some video! :TU:

 

TA has taken the old Stage 2 factory heads to new levels. There has been some significant upgrades that will be available in the future. I'm just not in the position to say when. Even before this project is on the track we will be working for competition heads to compete on any level. This isn't going to happen over night but our effort this fall will show just what this block is capable of. We have had the big boys look at this block and have said it looks strong enough for 4500 HP. Remember this is a solid block with solid heads. We won't be driving to the grocery store in this one. There will be plenty more pictures coming, however I doubt if I will be holding the video cam when this takes off. I will be slightly distracted and unable to push the button. I don't like watching live action through a peep hole.