Bob, Fellow program manager/engineer here. The folks who are not privy to R & D, especially automotive (God forbid aftermarket) don't have the "perspective", so to speak. I am amazed that the folks in Scottsdale have done what they have to date. I was one of the guys back in the day that couldn't get Kenne-Bell to ship a part, even though Jim Bell would talk to me all night long. Poston was a pseudo-backup for awhile. I sure am glad Mike Tomazewski took the plunge into the aftermarket. Before my career got started, I was clamoring for parts promised/advertised, never satisfied with lead times. I know better now. I'm in total agreement with you...good things come to those who wait. Devon
You know folks, I have stated a few times now what we are tying to accomplish. The 455 block, new 455 head and maybe an intake. These items will most likely put us to the end of next year 2008. I am trying to work in the SP-1 350 intake into this time frame, but no guarantees. The 350 heads will come after that. All these projects take a lot of doe and they can not happen all at one time, not to mention the task of managing them. You folks all have to know that we loose a fare amount of sales to companies like Summit and other Buick parts suppliers just to save a couple bucks. This doesn't help the situation, just makes things take longer. I have read where folks are telling others to call me up and chat about the new projects. Well, I have no conversations that come to mind right now, where someone has call to talk to me about any of the 350 projects, not one. I have talked to folks about my plans, but I brought it up. Some have talked to others here a TA but not a lot. Hearing from you people helps. My fear is, we will build it and no one will buy it. My friends I hope this not to be the case. Anyways I have pulled out the factory intake & cylinder head drawings so we can start the design process of the new parts, these were sent out a few weeks ago to our pattern shop. I hope this answers some questions for all of you, and remember I enjoy these Buicks as much as anyone of you, so please try and think of TA Performance the next time you need a part for your Buick. This is how we are able to do the things we are trying to do, with out your support, even if its small, it gets difficult to see it through. TA thanks all of you.
I called and talked to specifically about doing heads. I understand the timeline you have, and that trying to do too many projects at once can be a gamble with your entire business. There are alot of guys (if you have been reading) that are turning to turbo or super charging the 350's to get moe power. I think there are going to be alot of guys that want something they can bolt on a stock looking engine and get some NA power! Hey we ain't all drag racers here! I remember some of the things you talked about, changing some angles and such to gain more compression and adding valve clearances. I think if you were making stage 1 and 2 heads, it would sell better to make the stage 1's a direct bolt on, that accepts the stock rockers or the TA rollers, and will accept the TA DP or SP1 intake. The Stage 2's could be based on chevy rockers. I am not putting a hair dryer on my car, but I do want a very reliable 400-500hp............. and I know TA can make it. I'll wait a year and see what the timeline is then. I mean, what's a year anyways......... I f*cked around with some cast heads that I only had on the car for 3 weeks out of last year. I have nothing to lose by waiting.ray:
Don't worry Mike. I live right down the street from Summit Racing. They haven't got **** for a 350 Buick. I will buy my parts from you. I will wait the 5 days it takes to ship from you to me. Sonny Seal gave me the inspiration to build a 350 buick back in the early 90s and I will be the first one to buy a Intake when you get it ready. I have been waiting a long time for good 350 parts and my 350 is still in the car and going strong. Look at my sig, see what a little Nitrous can do. Just wait till I get that Intake on there and then after that...The Heads. Thank you Mike for your hard work on 350 stuff. Guy
This is the info that I think we all really wanted to know. At least we are getting an ESTIMATE. That is all we can ask for. Thanks!
I'm in for an intake and a set of heads as I posted before here or somewhere else a while back.The fact that TA is even considering making the parts should be a reason to support them in my book,no one else will support this brand to this extent.I've been working on a 350 manifold myself for some time now and I'm not 60% there yet and the man hours are way up there,it's a cost prohibitive preposition(I'll finish it though).I hope the 455 pieces come out nice and that some stout racecars can take advantage of them as well as some killer street machines(to whom do you all think all those 572 BBC's are being sold to?)The way I read the posts by Mike, we just have to wait until after the BBB deal and then hope for the best.It is interesting to me to note that no mention is ever done about what Mike said on the first post and repeated on the last one,the support of the business is essential for all these projects to get going.I have thought about it and if I have to spend $10-20 more and wait 5 days for delivery for some parts that I could get locally from some chain part store with profits going to who knows where,I will rather support someone who really wants to see the Buick brand enhanced by performance and is actually doing something about it for us.Wake up people!!So, it will take some time,TA did it for the V6 and it will for the 455.Why second guess it for the 350?Maybe next time we order a set of gaskets or a 455 cam or a valve cover decal we can tell the person on the phone to tell Mike that we are 350 supporters and he will know that we are trying to support this endeavor.For instant gratification if one wants to go fast right now,go get a sbc with some AFR,Brodix,etc. heads or anything from some of the mainstream catalogs(take this from a 20 yr. sbc man),or wait some time for some good things to come for the sbb. I apologize to the board members,moderators,JW and any one who may take offense to my ranting but it looks to me that some are trying to beat the man while his trying to help us and I just worked a 12 hr shift(3rd shift at that) on a Friday and just finished my 4th:beer.
Hi Guys, THE main thing (IMHO) to remember here guys is, that Mike Tomaszewski and TA Performance has not gotten to where they are now by being or conducting business like ole Dick Bradshaw....Mike WILL actually follow thru...!:TU: Mike T......any comment on the 355-T6 vs 356-T6 in being used for the new block material?o No::grin: Thanks for answering back...:TU:
Go Mike and TA! Thanks for all the help so far and keep it up. I really wish all the closet 350 people would chime in and convince them there are more than a few of us that are serious about 350s!!!
Chris on Vancouverr Island is my TA supplier and he ROCKS. GO TA and Go Turbo 350 movement!!! shirts justa 350????
I am definately interested in a set of 350 heads. Thanks TA. PS I'm in no hurry, so I won't be calling you daily or griping about "are they ready" or "when are they gonna be done", or "are they here yet".. Thanks again TA, I'll be patient
I think it needs to be more specific. Unless you want to sell a billion to the chevy guys. (not a bad thing if you in it for the $).
Just spoke to Mike and I know good things are going to happen but we need more people to stand up and say they want the heads and intake! Is it really just Bill, Mark, Rob M, David G, Guy and a few others or is it half of the 455 guys/gals?
Is there really an question whether people will buy these new parts? Countless people have offered to put up deposits and TA perf. refuses?????
There is no doubt that these parts will sell. Hopefully more than just what is seen on this board. T/A has not refused to take deposits. That is just the way Mike operates. Why have another situation like the "bulldog debacle"? Once the product is ready to go into production then I'm sure the opportunity will be there for the interested to pony up the $$$$$. We just need to be patient and support the effort by getting our other needed parts from T/A.
