INFO needed Keith Black Hemi

[Ernies]

Very cooool !! old skool race stuff great collection for a vintage cackle race car back in the early days before KB started making his own aluminum blocks he did a lot of tooling and mods on the over the counter service replacement steel unstamped blocks for the fuel race cars adding billet main caps and clearance for the early stroker cranks range from 4" to 4.150" and common 7.100 connecting rods usually aluminum with custom Westcott forged pistons or Areis it would make good sense to take advantage of that on a rebuild for a 472 0r 484 cubic inch build they were awesome then and still today.

 

[6PKRTSE]

I have 3 other Keith Black cast aluminum blocks. All of mine are newer than yours (mid 90's through early 2000's) being that mine are slightly different than yours in a few areas. Most used Hemi parts are used up, cracked, broken or mileaged out pieces. Most cases it's better to purchase new replacement parts. However, a Hemi can still be built on somewhat of a budget. I have alot less into mine than people think, but it still cost alot to me.

 

[MoparCarGuy]

Consider contacting For Hemis Only in Tampa for some insight.

 

[Stockcar axeman]

Consider contacting For Hemis Only in Tampa for some insight.

I agree. Tim is ground zero for the Hemis now. He owns Keith Black, FHO as well as Stage V. I got a 632 KB from him a few months back, it is a work of art! Can't wait to get it in the car! He can help you out no matter what you want.

 

[540HemiCuda]

The O ring grooves in the head can be filled with stainless wire and filed down so you can use standard gaskets. Just takes someone with the experience doing it. And probably some money.

Is the block still standard deck height? Have the heads been cut?

What would you do to your 'K' member to fit the Hemi in your car? Do you have power brakes? Have you priced headers/manifolds? In other words, have you thought through all the other things that it takes to actually install a Hemi in your car?

It is EXTREMELY difficult to build AND install a Hemi on any kind of budget. Just too many things unique to them and since they were typically raced, there are few good used and/or budget priced parts out there.

As long as the block's owner will lend his experience and advice, you have a shot at this. Otherwise, finding that experience and advice elsewhere will be difficult if not expensive.

If you do pull the trigger on the block, consider a lighter weight stroker kit. Hemi reciprocating assemblies were EXTREMELY heavy with all pieces being unique. More cubes don't cost any more money than standard cubes, take better advantage of the Hemi head flow making for a better, less temperamental 'driver', and using a new reciprocating assembly will save you lots and lots of headaches.

Good luck!

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