Geri
Deceased, But not forgotton
anyone using a Bill Mitchel hemi water block?
I have a new one had a couple of issues but Bill got it right for me.I’m not, but someone has to be. Sounds like they’ve been shipping plenty.
https://moparconnectionmagazine.com/bill-mitchell-products-aluminum-blocks-are-shipping-now/
Interested in one for my wagon when I rebuild after next season. Bill is close to my condo in Florida. What issues did you have and its good to know it was taken care of .I have a new one had a couple of issues but Bill got it right for me.View attachment 1154989
not big deals but I needed answers. I noted the oil feedholes from cam to heads was not open (to sight view) so I could not see how the rockers would oil. Bill explained the rockers do not get oil from the cam bearings on his blocks they have direct feed from the lifter galley and are constant flow, the block has threaded port at top to the rockers with orifices' to limit oil to heads, good feature- now that I know.Interested in one for my wagon when I rebuild after next season. Bill is close to my condo in Florida. What issues did you have and its good to know it was taken care of .
Thank you, very good info to know.not big deals but I needed answers. I noted the oil feedholes from cam to heads was not open (to sight view) so I could not see how the rockers would oil. Bill explained the rockers do not get oil from the cam bearings on his blocks they have direct feed from the lifter galley and are constant flow, the block has threaded port at top to the rockers with orifices' to limit oil to heads, good feature- now that I know.
the second was a little harder to resolve, the lifter bores are pressed in bronze sleeves-one was pressed in just a little to deep which prevented me from installing cam bearing, I made a tool to pull the guide up about .090 to allow the cam bearing driver to install bearing, too k a while to make the tool, but not a problem. the blocks are awesome, with several additions to the oiling added which can be pluged with screw in plugs to allow the oil system of your choice. the "soft plugs to the water jackets are screw in, so many good features.
you are welcome, things I noticed during my inspection.Thank you, very good info to know.
So they are setup for pushrod oiling?not big deals but I needed answers. I noted the oil feedholes from cam to heads was not open (to sight view) so I could not see how the rockers would oil. Bill explained the rockers do not get oil from the cam bearings on his blocks they have direct feed from the lifter galley and are constant flow, the block has threaded port at top to the rockers with orifices' to limit oil to heads, good feature- now that I know.
the second was a little harder to resolve, the lifter bores are pressed in bronze sleeves-one was pressed in just a little to deep which prevented me from installing cam bearing, I made a tool to pull the guide up about .090 to allow the cam bearing driver to install bearing, too k a while to make the tool, but not a problem. the blocks are awesome, with several additions to the oiling added which can be pluged with screw in plugs to allow the oil system of your choice. the "soft plugs to the water jackets are screw in, so many good features.
Yes, "big bore" (4.49") version of the 2 he offers in Hemi and RB wedge...Pretty sure @biomedtechguy has one, though it's not up and running yet. Edit: oops, his is a wedge block, but I still think it's a Mitchel aluminum block.
To answer your question about BMP blocks, once they got them rolling out the pace for production seems to have been fairly steady, at 20 units per "batch". I think the Gen 2 Hemi and RB blocks are the same casting but machined differently?? I don't want to mislead, so I can relay that to the best of my knowledge the blocks are made in batches of 20 and their availability was consistent, through my builder/dealer, based on what BPM was producing. Once I secured one for myself, I wasn't getting updates on availability, but I didn't ask nor was I told of some "fortunate timing that I got mine when I did because now _______ " so if that trend has continued, the consistency of production of machined blocks ready to sell has been fine and steady.How was delivery? Turn around time? I explored Bulldog "The Block" 2 years back. Found all sorts of availability/delivery problems. I'm not sure if they or anyone has turned things around in today's settings?
I remember the guy from Germany. And I have spoke with a Richard Bradshaw. I didn't get the best feeling from that exchange. Didn't put in an order.To answer your question about BMP blocks, once they got them rolling out the pace for production seems to have been fairly steady, at 20 units per "batch". I think the Gen 2 Hemi and RB blocks are the same casting but machined differently?? I don't want to mislead, so I can relay that to the best of my knowledge the blocks are made in batches of 20 and their availability was consistent, through my builder/dealer, based on what BPM was producing. Once I secured one for myself, I wasn't getting updates on availability, but I didn't ask nor was I told of some "fortunate timing that I got mine when I did because now _______ " so if that trend has continued, the consistency of production of machined blocks ready to sell has been fine and steady.
I would suggest contacting Bill Mitchell Products and ask him yourself. I only called twice, got Bill both times, and I would believe whatever he said, but that is just my experience.
Regarding Bulldog, I tried to help a guy from Germany who posted on this forum about his nightmare with the owner of Bulldog (his name evades me) and that guy told outright lies to both of us. I wouldn't front him lunch money nor use his product as a boat anchor. The reason why I got involved was to try to save his reputation and help his customer from Germany. It was a terrible experience.
That's the guy...I have spoke with a Richard Bradshaw. I didn't get the best feeling from that exchange. Didn't put in an order.
She's a BUTE! and the Hemi looks nice too!
The BMP blocks does look nice. And the aluminum build certainly has weight advantages. And I would have no problems with a street/strip type build using that platform. Maybe high end power builds might make me nervous. I wish the Bradshaw connection would have transpired. I had a fantasy build in my head with that block. But as you outlined? Buyer be VERY aware with that guy. I have not heard any stories of "turn around." But BY ALL MEANS, keep posting thoughts and experiences with BMP build?That's the guy...
DICK Bradshaw...owner of Bulldog blocks. After a cordial first phone conversation with Dick, in which I explained that I was concerned for his/Bulldog Block reputation being slimed online by the German customer, and I wanted to see if I could help them both with understanding what the situation was and what resolutions were available, Dick assured me he would contact the customer that day/evening. Days later nothing per the German customer. On my next call, I expressed some disappointment.
After a week or so and still no contact, I suggested that the customer contact the foundry where Dick Bradshaw was having the blocks poured...
BOY did THAT elicit a response!
We really kicked the hornets' nest with THAT call! DICK sent both of us a strong reprimand and admonishment to not contact the foundry under any circumstances whatsoever, blah blah blah.
Now understand that the poor sap in Germany had paid in full, not only for the Bulldog block but the ENORMOUS freight costs to the Fatherland.
Ultimately about 10 months later the customer in Germany got his money back, so basically he had to go through the torturous process with Dick, he wound up at ZERO and had to start over again with someone else!!
As members here know, lots of posts about my "big plans", but money to do them and time to get them done is limited. Still, moving forward, and now owning my BMP block is a milestone, a "checked off box".thoughts and experiences with BMP build?
I more than understand the "BIG IDEA" Below is my '70 Cuda Pro Street project. I allowed thought and opportunity to go completely outside the box. So you shoe horn in a 904 Ci DOHC Schubeck marine V-8 into the stock engine well. Why? Because everyone needs 1200 HP of naturally aspirated performance on pump 91 gas?As members here know, lots of posts about my "big plans", but money to do them and time to get them done is limited. Still, moving forward, and now owning my BMP block is a milestone, a "checked off box".